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https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99258
Title: | Fil-Beraħ : children’s use of public open spaces |
Authors: | Satariano, Bernadine Cole, Maureen Sollars, Valerie Hili Vassallo, Sandra Schembri, Xanthe’ |
Keywords: | Open spaces -- Malta Open spaces -- Planning Public spaces -- Malta Outdoor recreation for children -- Malta Children and the environment -- Malta Child development -- Malta |
Issue Date: | 2021-06 |
Publisher: | The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society |
Citation: | Satariano, B., Cole, M., Sollars, V., Hili Vassallo, S., & Schembri, X. (2021). Fil-Beraħ : children’s use of public open spaces. Floriana: The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. |
Abstract: | This document reports about the project, ‘Fil-Beraħ’, which sought to give a voice to children by exploring what facilitates or hinders children from making use of public open spaces within a Maltese context. Spending time outdoors is highly desirable as it helps children develop physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally (Hoskins, 2008; Aziz and Said, 2015). In addition, the way children interact with people, equipment and the available outdoor spaces is important for their health and wellbeing. For a variety of reasons, over the last decades, children’s independent mobility and use of public open spaces has decreased substantially (Valentine, 2004; Karsten, 2005; Schoeppe et al., 2015; Show et al., 2015). This project engaged with five children from one locality in Malta. Their participation in the study was facilitated through multiple methods including artwork, travel diaries, photo and video narratives, interactive mapping and designing of open spaces. By adopting the Mosaic approach (Clark, 2003), as the overarching framework, participating children were actively engaged and, more importantly, their contributions, voices and perspectives were acknowledged and valued as citizens of the locality. The children were empowered to engage with adults in their community thus sharing their opinions and increasing the likelihood that their contributions could be acted upon. As a result of the children’s input and direct participation, three key issues were identified: 1. The importance of natural spaces for children and adolescents; 2. Issues associated with road safety and stranger danger need to be addressed to encourage children’s independent use of public open spaces; and 3. Societal norms can be detrimental to children’s and adolescents’ health and wellbeing. The study has also highlighted the responsibilities which authorities have towards children and adolescents. Ideally, addressing issues relevant to all children and adolescents coupled with an increase in investment should be priorities of relevant authorities. This project serves as an eye-opener to individuals and authorities who have the health and wellbeing of children at heart. In addition to this publication which includes a detailed review of the Fil-Beraħ project, a stepby-step guide is presented in an accompanying Toolkit that offers guidance and insights for entities willing to give children and adolescents a voice and act on their concerns and needs within the context of Maltese society today. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99258 |
ISBN: | 9789995793371 |
Appears in Collections: | Melitensia Works - ERCSSFMW |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Fil-Berah-full.pdf | 29.65 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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