Miriam Theuma
The theme of International Youth Day 2018, which is being celebrated today, is "Safe Spaces for Youth".
International Youth Day, which is held every year on 12th August, celebrates young people and their lives and the opportunities and challenges they face in the world of today.
International Youth Day was organised by the United Nations in 2000 to recognise and celebrate the contribution that young people make to society, particularly in such areas as education, employment, and culture, and the role they play in promoting social justice and inclusion, conflict resolution and international solidarity.
Each year a different theme is selected and 12th August is celebrated around the world with festivals and sporting, community and cultural events that recognise the achievements of young people and promotes their energy, values and aspirations.
Young people need safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities that relate to their interests and needs and enables them to grow both emotionally and intellectually. Safe spaces also help them to develop their individual skills and talents. Safe spaces give young people the opportunity to actively engage together in a wide range of activities including sport, education, culture, community and volunteering. Safe spaces are not just physical spaces but can also be digital as well as emotional where young people feel free to express their feelings and concerns.
Malta's national youth policy, “Towards 2020 – A shared vision for the future of young people”, which is being implemented and coordinated by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, has a particular focus on new spaces at local community level for young people and youth organisations. The aim is to create safe spaces and facilities at local community level to support the development of young people through active involvement and participation in non-formal learning opportunities.
In addition to its Youth Village at Santa Venera, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ runs two Youth Activity Centres for young people and youth organisations, one in Marsaxlokk and another at Dingli, and Youth Café in Qawra, Msida and Cottonera and Paola. This year, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ opened another two new Youth Cafés in Paola and Qrendi. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ also carried out refurbishment on its Youth Hubs at MCAST, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School (GCHSS) and Youth.Inc as well as opening a new Youth Hub in Sir Michelangelo Refalo Sixth Form in Gozo.
Aġenzija Żgħażagħ is working in cooperation with communities to provide youth services at local level, such as at Cottonera, and offers financial and other support to youth organisations with the aim of enhancing their capacity to offer better services and opportunities for young people in their local communities.
As well as providing safe physical spaces for young people, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ also offers safe digital and emotional spaces to help young people by listening to and supporting them and raising their awareness. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ operates two web portals that are regularly updated and provide users with information on events and opportunities relevant to young people as well as two Facebook pages giving users real-time access to Youth Information Officers operating from the Youth Information One- Stop- Shop (YIOSS) at Santa Venera. Kellimni.com offers one-to-one online support services to young people experiencing social exclusion, abuse, neglect or psychological difficulties and who are in need of support and advice. Eurodesk on the other hand informs young people on how to experience Europe and the world.
Safe spaces for young people, whether they be physical, digital or emotional are crucial if we are to help them to fully develop their potential, meet their aspirations and face with strength and conviction the many challenges that confront them both as individuals and citizens in the world of today and tomorrow.
Miriam Theuma is the CEO of Aġenżija Żgħażagh