MHREC is pleased to have hosted the Summer 2022 Youth Network, where youngsters got together over the course of 3 months to learn and discuss human rights issues through educational tools as prepared by our inhouse educators, as well as the online learning tool Stories That Move: A toolbox against discrimination. As their final project, the Youth Network members took their own action for change, by coming up and implementing their own Taking Action Project. Our last session for the Summer was hosted by the Ronald Mc Donald House Charities Malta at the Learning Centre in Qawra. We are very grateful for this wonderful opportunity and for the great welcome we have received in making our last session a memorable one!
The Projects
Rights Quest: A Memory Game
A memory game was created for primary school children using a free online tool. The game which is inspired by the traditional memory game, makes use of images related to human rights which are then matched to the related human rights. Simple wording was used for it to be user-friendly for children. The game was inspired by the idea that human rights education should start from a young age, including the primary school stage. Thus, the memory game was created in order to help with the implementation of human rights through school subjects. When an image and a human right match, a window with further information on the human rights pop ups, with simple wording in order to make it easier for younger students to understand.
More information can be found here.
SPEAK, BUT.
‘Speak, But’ is an online campaign against hate speech. The posts are original and have been created specifically to raise awareness and inspire change by informing the public on hate speech as covered by Maltese law. The creative photos are posted on social media, and different formats are used to portray their message including a short clip.
More information can be found here.
Say No To Racism Poster
This taking action project entailed the design of a poster which aims at raising awareness on racism and conveys its message: ‘Say No to Racism’. Research was conducted before the poster was created, which helped the student gain insight into issues that they were not completely familiar with. This student added specific situations in order to educate the public on the different ways that racism and discrimination can occur. With the creation of the poster, an Instagram account was created in order to broaden the reach of the message.
More information can be found here.
Women’s Rights: Youth Malta
An Instagram page was created in order to raise awareness on women’s rights, particularly focusing on experiences as faced by youth. Informative posts and stories were created and shared, as well as polls were carried out to gain further insight on women’s issues in Malta. Two questions were asked by polls: 1. Do you feel safe walking alone in Malta? 2. Have you ever experienced any catcalls or groping?
Apart from gaining insights from followers, the account created a good opportunity to learn more about women’s rights as well as become more aware of the different human rights accounts that exist on social media that help raise awareness on various issues.
More information can be found here.
Migrants’ Perspective: An Analysis
A number of interviews were conducted where migrant youths and adults from different backgrounds living in Malta were asked questions about the best and worst things about life in Malta, their hopes and dreams, as well as their struggles. This collection of interviews was then analysed and common outcomes emerged which will definitely assist MHREC in its work in raising awareness and disseminating human rights ideals and principles to the public.
The questions:
- How would you describe life in Malta?
- What is the best thing about living in Malta?
- What is the worst thing?
- If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
- What is home?
- What are your hopes for the future?
Some answers (answers are anonymous to protect participants)
- How would you describe life in Malta?
“life in Malta is like a paradise”
“Malta is like a home for me”
2. What is the best thing about living in Malta?
“The nice sunny weather, the safety, most people are friendly and helpful”
3. What is the worst thing?
“The slowness and long time for processing paperwork at certain commercial or non commercial entities. Road traffic is a nightmare sometimes, lack of food and entertainment variety.”
“High population density with most areas built up, and a lack of green spaces.”
“The worst thing is renewing the document (resident card)”
4. If you had to describe yourself in 3 words what would they be?
“Calm, reasonable, friendly”
“Optimistic Helpful & Honest”
5. What is home?
“The Place u go after daily work and find all family members unite together.”
“Culture, history, family, friends & memories.”
“Home is a safe and comfort zone shared with your loved ones”
“home is where you find your rights”
6. What are your hopes for the future?
“Better living condition, lower cost of living, country to put more benefits for foreigners who live in Malta.”
“Do my best to help myself and other people.”
“To find more time and energy to do the thing I love”
“Fun, Happy and Healthy life for me, my family and friends”
“I hope that I can be a Maltese citizen”
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