"Like many students my age I like to socialise with others. But there is no need for alcoholic beverages to look 'cool' or have fun. There are other alternatives," commented Alessio Decarlo, a student at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) in his first year of the management course.
Mr Decarlo continued: "'Mocktails' are ideal for us young people. They are non-alcoholic versions of popular alcoholic cocktails that often cannot be found in popular bars and clubs. In collaboration with Sedqa, we ITS students are promoting these alternative drinks through various activities... they really look cool, so one avoids the peer pressure that says one has to drink alcoholic beverages in order to have fun."
Its students have been participating in Sedqa-organised activities at MCAST by manning a bar serving freshly-made alcohol-free cocktails as part of its programme of events targeting young people.
Sedqa's Primary Prevention Team, in collaboration with the MCAST students' council and the National Youth Information Centre, held several activities on MCAST's main campus on National Youth Day, celebrated locally on March 21. Live performances by student bands, a football tournament, and abseiling in collaboration with members of the Civil Protection were a few of the initiatives held.
As a conclusion to the day an activity was held in the evening on board the visiting floating bookshop LOGOS II during which a group of youths danced, sang, and performed drama in front of a large audience of young people. Around 170 MCAST students were awarded a certificate in appreciation for their collaboration that made these events for students a success.
This collaboration between Sedqa and ITS students has been a regular feature on the agenda of activities organised by the agency's Prevention Services this year to promote healthy alternatives to alcohol abuse among young people. Similar non-alcoholic events have been held at Bay Street and other venues. Non-alcoholic get-togethers for young people are now being organised every second Friday of the month by Sedqa in collaboration with NSTS.
Other organisations and entities are collaborating with the agency's Primary Prevention team to co-ordinate several activities and initiatives. These reach hundreds of young people of different age groups in various environments ranging from schools to the community. In March alone, over 1,500 students from secondary schools participated in programmes held on-board the LOGOS II, focusing mostly on decision-making, alternative leisure and peer pressure.
Such networking with organisations is the way forward that Sedqa is adopting in its approach to young people. It forms part of the integrated approach that are being taken to provide new joint services to young people, launched last month by Sedqa and Appogg. Both agencies form part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.
Sedqa encourages other organisations working directly with young people to team up with the agency to create further awareness about the need to engage this audience in healthy alternative lifestyles.
For more information about Sedqa's Prevention and Care services, one can contact Helpline 151 or visit the Websites www.sedqa.gov.mt and www.mfss.gov.mt.