Young people are sometimes perceived as being indifferent to what is happening around them. And when, on occasions, one observes youngsters seemingly taking things for granted, with that laissez faire attitude and acting as if tomorrow will never come, one might be tempted to go along with this impression and take it as a given. The fact that even fewer young people are interested in current affairs, particularly politics, might fuel that perception.

However, is it fair to expect the same kind of involvement in politics from today’s youth as there was, say, in the 1980s? The air back then was so politically charged that everyone and everything was considered to be part of the political world. Today, the 1980s are history; the country is not practically on the verge of a civil war and the progressive alternative is pretty much an imitation of the conservative status quo; stability seems to have stolen the appeal of the political. But is this the result of a pampered youth or of a crisis of party politics as an institution?

It is evident that today’s young people are directing their energies elsewhere. But they remain equally active. The organisations that have flourished over the years, ranging from traditional ones such as the scout movement, the religious and the festa groups to the more recent environmental, heritage and non-party political lobbies, provide proof of the remaining enthusiasm for volunteering among our youth, as does the rate at which youth organisations are applying for and benefitting from EU programmes.

Nevertheless, if politics is to be of any value to society it needs to attract to its ranks people with values, who have a deep sense of commitment. I am pretty confident that, given the opportunity and with some encouragement, there will still be a few who are willing to serve their community through the medium of politics. So let us motivate them and provide them with the space they need.

Parlamentarians for a day: The National Youth Parliament

I recently had the pleasure of being present for the sixth session of the National Youth Parliament. One hundred young people became Members of Parliament for a day and had the opportunity to experience what a parliamentary session entails. Moreover, they had the opportunity to discuss topical issues that affected their lives and those of others.

The chosen topics were not solely those that influence the present young generation, but focused on matters that affect everybody, ranging from education to irregular immigration, innovation and creativity, the infrastructure, social policies, transport, the environment and the right to life.

To the detriment of other valid proposals, the motion to legislate in favour of the morning-after pill in the case of rape seems to have caught the attention of the press. Irrespective of whether one agrees with this proposal or not, it must be acknowledged that the debaters were mostly eloquent and had done their research well.

Local councillors for a year: The Youth Local Councils

A few days ago, together with Sean Meli and Ann-Julene Spiteri from the National Youth Council, I launched the Local Youth Councils Project, basically a form of structured dialogue between adolescents and their local councils.

Youngsters who are aged under 18 but over 14 can take part, after attending training seminars dealing with such topics as legislation concerning local councils, public speaking, leadership, innovation and creativity and the formulation of business plans. The discussions will follow the form of adult local council meetings and youth councillors will discuss any topic they think will affect their locality and community. Finally, they have to come up with a concrete proposal for which they have to present a business plan. To this end, the local council can even consult public opinion before coming up with a proposal.

In the course of discussion the participating local council will invite the Youth Mayor or a chosen representative of the local youth council to report on progress. The work of the youth council will also be reviewed in the periodical publication issued by the local council.

We strongly believe that this project is more than just another opportunity for us to develop tomorrow’s leaders; it is an opportunity for the local community to enrich its pool of ideas today by widening participation. The project starts next month and we are inviting more local councils to take on board the ideas of their young people.

Moulded through consultation: The National Youth Policy

The National Youth Policy that is currently being reviewed will eventually serve to inform government’s policies pertaining to young people. As such, it is desirable that the final version is truly representative of our youths’ aspirations. To this end, the policy has gone through a very wide process of consultation.

A Consultative Committee composed of academics and experts in youth work and young people from all walks of life – ranging from those involved in trade unionism, political parties and NGOs, to students, workers and the disabled – compiled an updated draft of the policy. The draft, while consulting the European Strategy for Youth and a document compiled by the National Youth Council, has taken into account the aspirations of hundreds of youngsters who have been asked for their views over the last months by members of the committee and other volunteers. Questionnaires were also placed on the Internet, including Facebook.

The draft has now been circulated to national youth groups for feedback and it is encouraging to note that the great majority of reactions are extremely positive. Some valid suggestions will definitely be taken on board before the final version is published.

Celebrating youth: National Youth Week

This year’s National Youth Week comes to an end today. The atmosphere at Valletta Waterfront was, once again, a vivid example of youth energy and talent; it was another week loaded with action. A glance at the planned programme speaks volumes. No fewer than 22 youth organisations were involved in the organisation of 60 different activities, ranging from discussions and workshops to rock concerts, hip hop sessions, drama, art and adventure and sporting activities.

One particular discussion, to which Archbishop Cremona and I were invited, focused on volunteering in Malta and abroad. Some of those present were invited to recount their experiences. These were indeed impressive. With a great sense of satisfaction emanating from his smiling eyes, Fr Savio from KDZ invited the Church and the state to see our youth as they really are. “These are our youth”, he said, proudly referring to the 250-strong crowd, while complaining that young people get a lot of negative press. If truth be told, not many, if any, of those present have ever made it on to the front pages. Nevertheless, they are constantly in action.

Mr Puli is Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport