bBrave, Malta’s only anti-bullying voluntary organisation, held its first official event on the 7 December 2018 at the Refectory Hall within the Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana.
Taking bBrave to the Community was an event held for stakeholders and interested individuals who are concerned about bullying in Maltese society. bBrave President Ing. Norman Zammit and Secretary-General Dr Aaron Zammit Apap introduced the organisation, explaining what led to its setting up, the work completed so far, and the projects bBrave had on the horizon. bBrave was set out to bring awareness on this social scourge, and eventually, move on to offer support services.
Mr Andrew Azzopardi, Chairperson of the Safeguarding Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta was invited to deliver an opening speech, and he explained that the Safeguarding Commission was an organ intended to curb any forms of abuse within the Church, including bullying. Mr Azzopardi later joined other stakeholders to discuss the bullying problem in Malta. The panel included Mr. Andrei Azzopardi (bBrave Treasurer and a person having suffered from bullying in both his childhood and in his working life), Dr. Mark Xuereb (Psychiatrist), Ms. Marianna Micallef Grimaud (AntiBullying Service, Ministry for Education and Employment) and Mr. Kurt Abela, Online Support Mentor, Kellimni.com – SOS Malta).
Panellists interacted with the audience, and among other important issues raised, it was largely agreed that society required more ‘upstanders’ rather than ‘bystanders’, who could contribute positively by assisting in bullying cases, or at a minimum, not act to encourage or glorify bullying behaviour.
Ms Amanda Lia, bBrave PRO, launched the organisation’s website. Ms Lia highlighted the I NEED HELP page, which was an important reference point for all those seeking help in relation to bullying cases. Relevant organisations that could offer support were listed here in accordance with the nature of the bullying problem.
If you are willing to help battle this issue, please join bBrave and help us with our mission.
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