Through storytelling, Children's Councils, and participatory budgeting, Malta is giving its youngest residents the tools and real opportunities to engage in local democracy.
GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE MORE THAN A VOTE
Malta's Vote 16 reform gives young people the right to vote and stand for Mayor in local elections, but having the right is not the same as being ready to use it. The Rillu Merillu initiative and Children's Councils were developed to bridge this gap, combining civic education with real-life participation across Malta's diverse local communities. Children are introduced to democratic values through interactive tools, storytelling, and community-based activities, and then given the opportunity to engage directly in local decision-making structures.
CIVIC EDUCATION WITH A MALTESE TWIST
Rillu Merillu uses Malta's national bird as a symbolic mascot of local leadership, translating democratic concepts into accessible stories supported by original music and interactive content. This culturally grounded approach makes civic education feel relevant and engaging rather than abstract. It is complemented by institutionalised participation through Children's Councils and participatory budgeting mechanisms, enabling children to experience real decision-making. Delivered in both English and Maltese, the model ensures inclusivity across communities and links education, culture, and governance within a single transferable framework.
TURNING YOUNG RESIDENTS INTO ACTIVE CITIZENS
The project has strengthened civic awareness, amplified youth voice at local level, and fostered a sense of belonging and responsibility among young participants. By equipping children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in democratic processes from an early age, it prepares a new generation of informed and community-oriented residents. The model's cultural grounding and structured participation mechanisms make it easily transferable to other communities, offering a practical blueprint for building inclusive and participatory local governance across Malta and beyond.
