Advancing and Promoting the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee Through ESF+ Funding InstrumentsĀ
We are pleased to invite you to the Community of Practice on Social Inclusion onsite event, ‘Advancing and Promoting the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee Through ESF+ Funding Instruments,’ which will be held on 27-28 May 2025 in Malta.
This event will bring together key stakeholders to advance the European Child GuaranteeĀ implementationĀ using ESF+ funding. It will feature insightful discussions, a keynote on Maltaās progress, and a panel debate on best practices across the European Union. Participants will explore innovative approaches and promising practices in child protection, alternative care, therapeutic services, and education through study visits in Malta; allĀ key pillars in the implementation of the European Child Guarantee.
The event will conclude with reflections and strategies to strengthen childrenāsĀ rights and social support systems.Ā
| Time (CEST) | Topic and speaker |
|---|---|
| 09:15 - 10:00 |
Welcome Coffee and Registration
|
| 10:00 - 10:40 |
Welcome Remarks
Mark Musu,
Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights
Hon Michael Falzon MP,
Minister, Ministry for Social Policy and Childrenās Rights
Katarina IvankoviÄ KneževiÄ,
Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission (video address)
Neringa PoÅ”kutÄ,
Head of the European Competence Centre for Social Innovation
Alfred Grixti,
CEO, Foundation for Social Welfare Services
|
| 10:40 - 11:00 |
Keynote Presentation: The Child Guarantee in Malta – Progress, Achievements, and Remaining Challenges
Alexia Vella,
Director General, Strategy and Implementation Division, Ministry for Social Policy and Childrenās Rights, Malta
|
| 11:00 - 12:30 |
Panel Debate: Comparing Approaches Across the European Union
This discussion will explore key policies and plans under the ECG, relevant ESF+ interventions, and the five key areas of intervention under the ECG: early childhood intervention, education, housing, healthy nutrition, and healthcare. Panellists will share insights on progress, challenges, and the way forward.
Panellists: Ritianne Borg Saliba,
Director General, Educational Services Department, MEYR
AurƩlien Mornon Afonso,
European Commission
Zuzana Kondradova,
EU Affairs Coordinator at Eurochild
Johan Nordqvist,
Swedish ESF-Council
Sergo Kuruliszwili,
Polish Committee of Social Welfare
|
| 12:45 - 14:00 |
Lunch
|
| 14:00 - 16:30 |
Study Visits – Government/Public Sector Initiatives
Participants will be divided into five groups for study visits. Each group will visit one of the following organizations:
Group 1: Child Protection Services Group 2: Directorate for Alternative Care Group 3: Home-Based Therapeutic Services Group 4: Childrenās House ā Court Services Group 5: Education and Child Care Services |
| 18:30 - 20:30 |
Dinner
|
| Time (CEST) | Topic and speaker |
|---|---|
| 08:30 - 09:00 |
Registration
|
| 09:00 - 09:30 |
Welcome Remarks
Antoinette Vassallo,
Malta's Commissioner for Children (video address)
Children's Presentation,
H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca,
Founder and Chair of The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society
|
| 09:30 - 10:00 |
Discussion with Participants
|
| 10:00 - 10:20 |
Coffee Break
|
| 10:30 - 13:00 |
Study Visits – Non-Governmental Organisation Practices
Participants will be divided into five groups for study visits. Each group will visit one of the following organizations:
Group 1: TBISSIMA (A Licensed Non-Formal Education Programme) Group 2: The Blossom Project (Counselling Services in State Schools) Group 3: Villabianca Centre for Music and the Arts (For Children and Young People with Disabilities) Group 4: Childrenās Local Council Meeting Group 5: The POP-Up Project (Promoting Online Protection) |
| 13:30 - 14:30 |
Lunch
|
| 14:30 - 16:00 |
Plenary Session
Reflections and discussions based on study visits.
|
| 16:00 - 16:30 |
Concluding Remarks
Stephen Christopher Vella,
Director Corporate Services & EU Projects, Foundation for Social Welfare Services
AurƩlien Mornon Afonso,
European Commission
|
| 18:00 - 20:00 |
Dinner
|