The former Umberto Colosso School has been transformed into a new hangout space for young people, but the Youth Village is not an alternative to Paceville, Miriam Teuma tells Sarah Carabott.
People are always calling for more spaces for young people, and the Youth Village – a first of the sort for Malta – will provide an alternative place, according to Aġenzija Żgħażagħ CEO Miriam Teuma.
CEO Miriam Teuma. Photos: Steve Zammit LupiBut it is not a Paceville substitute. Rather, it is a space where young people can learn and have fun at the same time.
Set around Umberto Colosso, the former trade school in Santa Venera, the Youth Village goes beyond a refurbishment of that concept.
The premises not only host a programme for those who have finished compulsory education without qualifications but it has been designed as a small-scale village for all young people. The aim is to bring under one roof youth organisations and young people and provide them with a space for their ideas and activities.
More than a €1 million has so far been invested in refurbishing the complex. The internal yard has been turned into a small garden, surrounded by activity rooms for youth organisations, rooms for the vocational training of those following the Youth.Inc programme, a Youth Hub and the Youth Information Centre.
This centre, which used to operate from Valletta three times weekly, is now open every day during office hours.
Young people can drop in with any query they have – from health to employment – and they will be guided or referred to other professionals.
A youth hostel, a sports complex (developed in collaboration with Sport Malta) and DJing evening classes, among others, are also in the pipeline, Ms Teuma said, as a group of young people unwinding in the garden broke into a fit of cheering. The youths are following a programme that gives those aged between 16 and 21 a second chance at improving their educational and employment prospects.
Called Youth.Inc, it is a programme for those who finished compulsory schooling but do not have the qualifications to further their education and training. It helps them gain skills and knowledge at MQF Levels 1 and 2.
While compulsory education has failed these students, the programme is geared towards a more informal setting – such as teaching English through drama, Youth Work Officer Jason Zammit explained.
Apart from equipping them with other life skills, the programme also helps them gain work placements.
The atmosphere at the Youth Village is vibrant and the Youth.Inc teaching concept is completely different from that of formal education.
Ms Teuma steers away from words such as “class”, “teachers”, “students” and “formal education” – phrases that could ward off students. Instead she opts for “youth workers”, “activities” and “programme”.
The Youth Village will be officially launched on December 12, and on the day, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ will also open a Christmas market.
Are you a young person who makes or sources products locally and sells them online?
Then you can sell your stocking fillers at the Christmas market, hosted by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ at the Youth Village on December 12 between 10am and 8pm and December 13 from 10am to 5pm.
The agency is opening a section of this event to youth organisations and individuals who would like to display and sell wares in a festive atmosphere.
Products could include arts and crafts, jewellery and ceramics, cosmetics and beauty products, Christmas decorations, stocking fillers and gifts.
There will also be a live Christmas crib, live music and young entrepreneurs’ stands. Those interested can contact agenzija.zghazagh@gov.mt
Sell your wares at the Christmas Market
Are you a young person who makes or sources products locally and sells them online?
Then you can sell your stocking fillers at the Christmas market, hosted by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ at the Youth Village on December 12 between 10am and 8pm and December 13 from 10am to 5pm.
The agency is opening a section of this event to youth organisations and individuals who would like to display and sell wares in a festive atmosphere.
Products could include arts and crafts, jewellery and ceramics, cosmetics and beauty products, Christmas decorations, stocking fillers and gifts.
There will also be a live Christmas crib, live music and young entrepreneurs’ stands. Those interested can contact agenzija.zghazagh@gov.mt