The government needs to analyse why approximately 1,000 of the 4,000 students finishing fifth form each year are neither pursuing further education nor training or entering the workforce, Minister Evarist Bartolo said this morning.

 The National Youth Policy, launched today, aims at effectively supporting and encouraging young individuals in fulfilling their potential aspirations and becoming active and responsible citizens contributing to the social, economic and cultural life.

Over the next five years, the government pledges to open up new spaces at a local community level for young people and youth organisations. These include a youth activity centre at Villa Psaigon and at Marsaxlokk as well as a Youth Café ad Youth Hub in Gozo.

The policy also aims at raising awareness and supporting the voice of young people and implement initiatives for the active empowerment and participation of youths. The Youth Information web portal and the online support service www.kellimni.com will be further developed and expanded. Projects will be initiated to increase political awareness and the democratic participation of young people.

The Youth Empowerment Programme, which includes project in literature, visual arts, volunteering and community activity will be further developed and expanded.

“Young people are living in a world created by generations before them, therefore adults have a huge responsibility in creating an inclusive environment,” Minister Evarist Bartolo said, addressing the launch.

He explained that young people in Malta are more reluctant than other European youths in experiencing education or employment abroad and this needs to be addressed through scholarship and youth exchange programmes.

PN Spokesperson David Agius explained that the Opposition is supporting the policy and that it will monitor its implementation. He suggested that a report of the progress made is published every year.