Children and young people have put forward their own ideas about the Malta they want to see in the coming years, during a meeting between a Labour Party delegation and EkoSkola students from different schools.

The meeting, held at the Children’s Farm in Romeo Romano Garden, brought together Labour Party CEO Leonid McKay, Minister Miriam Dalli and students who were given the opportunity by Nature Trust to share their aspirations and proposals for the country’s future.

The discussion went beyond environmental protection. While nature, public cleanliness and stronger environmental education featured prominently, the children also spoke about issues that affect their everyday lives, including bullying, quality of life and civic responsibility.

Among the ideas raised were calls for more environmental education, stronger enforcement of laws, and the possibility of having people found guilty of environmental damage carry out community work as part of their responsibility towards society.

The children also welcomed initiatives already underway, including the pilot project on public beaches where smoking is limited to small designated areas. They described this as a positive step towards cleaner, safer and more enjoyable beaches for families and children.

Leonid McKay said the process behind an electoral manifesto is not something drawn up in a few weeks, but the result of years of work, meetings and consultation with different sectors of society.

The meeting, he said, reflects Labour’s commitment to continue listening to children, youths, educators and environmental organisations, so that Malta’s future is shaped around the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s generations.

The message from the EkoSkola students  children do not only want to inherit a better Malta; they want to help shape it.