Youth Activism Matters: Empower Youth Voices

Dec 6 2023

The importance of youth in our society and how it functions cannot be understated.

In lieu of this important topic, KNZ is organising a ‘Youth Activism Matters: Empower Youth Voices’ campaign.

This event aims to engage youths between the ages of 15 to 30 years of age in discussions about the importance of voting at 16 and the potential for being elected as mayor at the age of 16 and 17. The conference will feature youth organisations and influential speakers who will provide insights into the youth perspective on civic engagement.

Objectives include raising awareness about significance of voting at age of 16; encouraging the participation of youth in civic processes; and discussing the potential impact of youth participation in local politics.

The latter includes the possibility of electing mayors at the age of 16 and 17 by facilitating open dialogue between youth and experienced individuals in the field.

The event is scheduled for the 16th of December 2023 between 8:45am and 1:45pm at Fort Sant Angelo.

#MaltaDaily

3,100 Sought Support For Domestic Abuse In 2022

Dec 6 2023

In 2022, 3,100 individuals experiencing domestic violence sought support services, with 77.2% being females.

This marked a 6.2% increase from 2020, where 2,919 individuals accessed such services.

During 2022, 70.1% utilized one service, 21.1% used two, and 8.7% used three or more services. The primary services availed were the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) within Aġenzija Appoġġ (2,093 cases) and the Police Department (2,046 reports).

Shelters and NGOs like Victim Support Malta addressed 173 and 70 cases, respectively, while emergency health services recorded 69 cases in 2022.

Over half of the cases involved individuals aged 30 to 49 (52.5%), with 84.4% being Maltese nationals and 13.8% non-Maltese. Concerning services for perpetrators, 268 individuals accessed support in 2022, with 91.4% males and 8.6% females.

The Department of Probation and Parole handled 141 cases, the Stop! programme saw 100 cases, and the ‘Child To Parent Violence’ service by Aġenzija Appoġġ dealt with 31 cases, all under 30 years old. Full NSO report here.

#MaltaDaily

Maltese Feast Officially Recognised By UNESCO

Dec 6 2023

The Maltese Feast has achieved formal recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO during its 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana.

Acknowledged for its community values, promotion of the arts, and inclusivity, this recognition marks the third element registered for Malta, following the Ftira and Għana.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici expressed gratitude to the Malta Band Clubs Association, Culture Directorate, Professor Baldacchino, the Archdiocese of Malta, and all contributors.

The government is committed to preserving and promoting the Maltese Feast as a community celebration fostering artistic values, inclusion, and community spirit.

The application, submitted by the Malta Band Clubs Association with strong support from the Maltese Curia and local feast communities, underwent a meticulous process overseen by the Office for Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Technical Committee praised the application’s exemplary presentation and audio-visual production, highlighting it as a best practice. The government’s support for the local community in this endeavour was also commended.

#MaltaDaily

50% of Maltese Think Country Heading In Wrong Direction

Dec 6 2023

Malta’s public sentiment has notably soured, as revealed by a recent Eurobarometer survey, indicating a significant shift over the past year.

The survey, conducted in late September and early October, reflects a drastic change from a year ago when 65% believed things were going in the right direction, a figure well above the EU average of 24%.

Currently, only 28% share this positive outlook, aligning with the EU average. The survey coincided with revelations about a driving license racket and a disability benefits scandal, possibly influencing public perception.

Notably, 85% of Maltese anticipate a decrease in their standard of living in the coming year, surpassing the European average of 73%. Pessimism extends to living conditions, with 46% expecting them to worsen, an increase from March and above the EU average.

Economic concerns are also evident, as 53% believe Malta’s economy will deteriorate in a year, up by six percentage points since March.

The survey indicates a decline in citizens feeling their voice matters in Malta, dropping to 44%, notably lower than the European average.

Despite this, a significant 92% believe Malta has benefited from EU membership, and almost nine out of 10 acknowledge the EU’s impact on their daily lives. However, concerns about the EU’s role in undermining Malta’s borders, job security, and peace and security are more pronounced among the Maltese compared to other Europeans.

#MaltaDaily