We have either been in the past, are at present, or will be in the future, passing through the interesting, energetic and creative phase of life called “youth”. We always view youth with a certain sense of expectation, and use it as a gauge for future life. The phrase “eternal youth” indicates clearly what I mean to say, in that one wishes that the state of youth remains with us for as long as possible, if not eternally.
For us politicians, youth also brings with it very serious responsibilities in that we are to ensure that the young are educated, given a decent life and provided with a decent environment, in which to grow healthily and be productive. It gives us the responsibility to instil the skills of creativity and innovation, so that our youths can adapt in today’s world economic environment.
Labour is not afraid of these responsibilities. We look at youth as we always did, as the driving force of our party, in its beliefs and policies. The engine that drives the party and the nation towards a better and prosperous future. Our energies are here strongly directed to achieve what otherwise might seem difficult, if not impossible.
In its strategies for future government, in the preparation of its various documents and plans, Labour has given ample space to our youths, in order to be able to address their aspirations for a better future. My colleague and friend Dr Justyne Caruana and her team have prepared a highly useful document, which has and still is generating serious discussion on youth’s needs and how a future Labour government would deal with the relevant important issues. Quoting from the introduction of the document, this definitely sets the criteria by stating that: “Today’s youths are the fathers and mothers of tomorrow, that renew the nation with values and culture. They are the leaders that will provide a sense of direction, the workers that make the economy work. They are the artists that express and grace Malta’s soul...”
Labour’s plan for youth is based on the principles of social justice, entwined with a structure of social commitment based on the need of providing just opportunities for everybody. The document also outlines several principles on which there is consensus among youth organisations, and reflects the policies outlined in the National Youth Policy. It also reflects the aspirations of youth on the European level, as inspired by the Lisbon Strategy and the European Youth Pact, adopted by the European Union’s Council of Ministers.
Primarily, Labour initiated this document based on the aspirations of the Maltese and Gozitan youths that are progressively encountering ever more serious problems in their everyday life. These problems can only be overcome by the collective effort of a new Labour administration. With the initiative of the same youths, a new Labour administration will strive incessantly to induce the necessary environment, in order that our youths can build their future and have at their disposition, all that is needed to live their youth completely and positively.
Labour, as a democratic socialist party, strongly believes in everybody’s right to work and to engage in productive economic activity, in order that one can lead a decent life. We are here strongly conscious of the present lack of opportunities brought about by Nationalist mal-administration, especially in the lack of job creation. This is being felt more seriously in Gozo, where there are less job opportunities. We are also conscious that the labour market is continuously changing and that this in itself demands a relevant strategy of training in new skills and trades, by youth and all. Above all we firmly believe that we should and actually can, build on the model of successful European economies in order to create more prosperity and job opportunities for our youths. The ties that exist in this area, between our Youth and Industry documents are most relevant.
Undoubtedly, education is here the most important tool to be employed in forging our future economic prosperity, and in creating the right opportunities for our youths to develop: academically, socially and culturally. To this aim, our educational system has to ensure that everybody is given all the possible opportunities for future advancement. As a party, we strongly believe that education is for all, and for life, and Labour will ensure that its policies will deliver same. Our education document here highly complements our document on youth.
The present conditions of the property market are also making it progressively ever more difficult for young couples to be able to find affordable housing. Conscious of this huge difficulty being faced by our youths, Labour is here committing itself to address this problem. Labour will here seek to plan a gradual way out of this predicament and will strive to enable young couples; through schemes it will initiate; to obtain affordable housing, even with help from the country’s commercial sectors, if necessary.
This is but a very brief journey through the document. I encourage you all to read it to understand our vision better. When Labour promises a new beginning, it will deliver it; especially in such areas which are so close to the core of our values and beliefs. The youth sector has always been a contributor to our strength, energy and ideas.
It gives us the quality of being an ever-fresh party, and the energies here, will God-willingly not only help to give Labour a victory in the next election, but it will also be crucial in delivering what we are promising.
That is: a better government.
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Dr Michael Falzon is the MLP Deputy Leader for Party Affairs