Issues of interest to the young

Recently, I was handed a copy of a report drawn up by the Labour Youth Forum in reaction to a draft document prepared by the government with regard to youth policies. The report is refreshingly unbiased and is peppered not only with support to some of the government's own initiatives but also proposals with which most would have no qualms with or object to.

It is next to impossible to summarise the contents of the report given the space restrictions here but I thought I'd share the Forum's views on three particular areas: education, jobs and entertainment.

Education is the key to progress and individual success and the Forum reiterates its belief that education should be free and accessible to all while also encouraging the strengthening of the maintenance grants system.

I can see very little opposition to the above arguments, whereas, on the other hand, a point that might raise a couple of eyebrows among those who treat different people with different religions and different skin colour with disdain is the one that proposes a vigorous inter-cultural education at schools preparing and teaching students to face and deal with different cultures, religions, backgrounds and skin colours. Such a point reinforces the socialist and social belief that suspicion breeds contempt, which, in turn, breeds a divisive society embroiled in turmoil, hatred and lack of true solidarity.

Illiteracy is also dealt with when the report proposes a clearly set out strategy between all the stakeholders to fight this unfortunate scourge and promote reading as a tool that broadens the mind.

The Labour Youth Forum also deals with the job market in its report with the first main focus being University courses and the lack of balance between practice and theory, which, unfortunately, is leaving students partly unprepared to face the world of work.

The Forum also notices with dismay that fewer and fewer young people are joining a union, leading to a huge dearth of information and knowledge regarding their rights and responsibilities. Therefore, the report proposes a widespread information campaign targeted at the self-employed, part-timers and those on short-term contracts who in some cases have no leave, sick leave or any other benefits.

Another point I found to be rather innovative is the proposal for the government to offer tax credits to younger people wanting to open a business in order to facilitate their ability to compete in Malta's restrictive and, yet, very competitive market.

The Forum also repeats the often proposed/promised idea of "imposing" a temporary moratorium on mortgages for those who lose their jobs while paying for their property.

The third aspect that caught my eye is the chapter regarding entertainment.

Apart from the obvious, I also find myself in agreement with tougher penalties against drunk drivers and the call for better public transport services at night from main entertainment spots like Paceville and Buġibba.

I particularly agree with the report's proposal for the updating of the laws regarding opening hours after a blanket curfew was imposed a few weeks following the election with absolutely no consultation whatsoever, causing huge losses for the businesses there and leading to the proliferation of "private" parties with all the huge inconveniences these cause. Although such a proposal won't earn the Labour Youth Forum too many brownie points from the Paceville residents, I'm sure that a balance could be found if the laws are strictly adhered to.

The Forum's report discusses and proposes other solutions in some other youth-related areas, especially housing (which is, unfortunately, completely missing in the government's document) and also health, justice, the arts and sports.

I would like to applaud the Labour Youth Forum for taking a more central role in discussing issues that are real; issues that youth talk about and face in their day-to-day experiences. I would also like to recommend to those who have youth issues at heart to have a good look at this report/reaction on www.fzl.org.mt.