Yes to reform

Until a few days ago I held the conviction that the majority of young people would be in favour of vote eligibility at age 16. I've certainly met many of them pushing forward their reasons in favour of this over the past few years. The executive members of the MZPN are a case in point with its PRO publishing an article to this effect in March of this year.

Yet, it turns out that some young people are sceptical about being given the vote two years earlier than is currently the case, putting forward the argument that it would be like granting additional votes to parents because parental influence at that age is still very strong.

In this country one can drive a car at 18, legally buy cigarettes at 18 but purchase and consume alcohol at 16, marry at 16, be considered a minor for some legal instances until the age of 16, for others up to age 18. Definitely somewhat confusing.

Young people do not fall into one classification, although we refer to them in the collective term. Levels of maturity vary. That is to be expected and is part of human nature. Today's young people are becoming more and more aware of their rights. They are stronger in awareness about the environment, the need for its protection. In many ways they are more au courant with social problems at an earlier age. Many of them have strong, solid opinions...we would realise this more clearly if we genuinely stopped to listen to them. True, theirs is a vulnerable age. It is also the age when they are assuming new responsibilities, some of which, on occasion, go beyond their age.

Family voting patterns are changing. While it is true that the family's political climate influences a child and a young person in forming individual political allegiances, house visits during the past two elections and the referendum campaign showed up a substantial number of households where the political preferences of the offspring differed from those of their parents. And all lived happily together. This is part of a healthy democracy.

I am all for giving 16-year olds the vote at local council elections. The current consultation on Local Council Reforms will undoubtedly include this proposal. Local council elections are more laid back than national ones. Reform should look at retaining the importance of local government but move away from the political hype they are given every spring. Young people should be given a say in electing their representatives on a local basis. This would be an exercise in gaining political maturity. It would also give the right to participation to those who are interested enough to participate.

There is a tendency to make the blanket statement that young people are not interested in politics. But a substantial number of our young people are involved in non-voluntary organisations and give considerable contribution there. Our local councils have evolved and taken on so many different functions since their inception. They are no longer the bland setups of the early 1990s, intent on street cleaning and weeding. They have taken on social, educational and cultural dimensions. The young have a great deal to contribute in these areas, as well as in so many others. The concept of active citizenship needs strong campaigns in this country.

Last June, Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli started a consultation phase with youth organisations to listen to their views on a review of our National Youth Policy, originally published in 2004. Because of fast changing and evolving circumstances this policy already needs updating. A consultative committee including a wide spectrum of members has been set up to analyse all feedback, with a view to publishing a draft in the coming months. This policy will definitely be a roadmap drawn up for young people by young people, looking at today's realities and expectations.

Expectations and excitement were definitely visible in the eyes of the students I met at Junior College this week as they made their way to the application halls. For many of these students the two years at Junior College are preparatory ones for University. In fact, the majority of students I spoke to have already decided which course they will be following in two years' time. I was obviously pleased to hear that so many female students are opting for science and technology degrees.

Last year Junior College housed 2,900 students studying for their intermediate and advanced exams. This year the number is expected to increase as more and more students move into post-secondary education. We have set ourselves a high target for the year 2015, when 85 per cent of students will move into post-secondary education. This is a target that brings with it innumerable challenges for the whole country as we strive to hit the mark.

The past few years have already seen an increase. Educational reform and innovation will continue to see this increase, although there might be a short period when we reach a plateau before the results of this reform and innovation are felt.

My congratulations to the Ability Challenge team which has just returned to Malta from France. The initiative shows inclusivity in the true sense of the world. A tangible celebration of ability rather than a focus on disability.

The members of the LifeCycle Challenge Team are having a rough time in Spain. The heat, the altitude and the terrain are making for a very gruelling experience which they are facing with stamina and tenacity. They are all role models to be encouraged and celebrated.

Ms Cristina is Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports.