Discuss Debate Decide

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Discuss Debate Decide"

Amice Simmons
5 years ago
Views:

1 Discuss Debate Decide

The European Union Youth Policy In April 2009, the European Commission presented a Communication entitled An EU Youth Strategy: Investing and Empowering - A renewed open method of coordination to

2 The European Union Youth Policy In April 2009, the European Commission presented a Communication entitled An EU Youth Strategy: Investing and Empowering - A renewed open method of coordination to address youth challenges and opportunities". This new Strategy, for the period , invited both the Member States and the Commission, to cooperate in the youth field by means of a renewed open method of coordination. It proposed a cross-sectoral approach, with both short and long-term actions, which involved all key policy areas that affect Europe's young people. In November 2009, the EU Council of Youth Ministers, composed of then 27 Member States of the European Union, adopted a Resolution on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field for the next decade, based on the Commission's "An EU Youth Strategy: Investing and Empowering". 2 The EU Youth Strategy sets out two overall objectives: More and equal opportunities for young people in education and in the labour market. Active citizenship, social inclusion and solidarity of young people.

The strategy calls for a range of initiatives and programmes to support young people s development under eight fields of action: education and training; employment and

The strategy also provides for a Structured Dialogue between young people and policy makers to ensure that the views of young people are taken into account in formulating

3 The strategy calls for a range of initiatives and programmes to support young people s development under eight fields of action: education and training; employment and entrepreneurship; health and well-being; participation; voluntary activities; social inclusion; youth and the world; creativity and culture. The strategy also provides for a Structured Dialogue between young people and policy makers to ensure that the views of young people are taken into account in formulating youth policy and its implementation. The strategy operates in 18 month cycles and each cycle focuses on a particular field of action selected by the Trio of Member States who hold the 6 month Presidencies for that cycle. 3

A Structured Dialogue with Young People The Structured Dialogue is a process

views and opinions of young people are taken into account in developing and

The Structured Dialogue is conducted at national and EU level.

for conducting the Structured Dialogue process.

4 A Structured Dialogue with Young People The Structured Dialogue is a process for discussion between young people and policy makers to ensure that the views and opinions of young people are taken into account in developing and implementing the EU s youth policy. The Structured Dialogue is conducted at national and EU level. In Malta, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the National Youth Council are responsible for conducting the Structured Dialogue process. At EU level, a committee made up of the Trio of EU Presidencies, the European Commission and the European Youth Forum is responsible for coordinating the process. 4

The results of the national consultations are considered and discussed by young people and policy makers at EU Youth Conferences that take place twice yearly under each Presidency.

There have been two full cycles of the Structured Dialogue so far.

5 The results of the national consultations are considered and discussed by young people and policy makers at EU Youth Conferences that take place twice yearly under each Presidency. The agreed results of the consultation are then presented to the EU s Council of Youth Ministers for consideration and action at Member State level. There have been two full cycles of the Structured Dialogue so far. The first was under the Trio Presidency of Spain, Belgium and Hungary (January 2010 to June 2011) and the chosen theme for the Structured Dialogue was Youth Employment. The second cycle was under the Trio Presidency of Poland, Denmark and Cyprus (July 2011 to December 2012) and the chosen theme for the Structured Dialogue was Youth Participation in Democratic Life. The third cycle of the Structured Dialogue is in progress under the Trio Presidency of Ireland, Lithuania and Greece (January 2013 to June 2014) and the chosen theme is the Social Inclusion of Young People. 5

3D Discuss, Debate and Decide 3D Discuss, Debate and Decide, a project co-financed through Youth in Action funding, Action 5.

The idea was to create a debating society style event where young people could discuss issues that are relevant to themselves.

6 3D Discuss, Debate and Decide 3D Discuss, Debate and Decide, a project co-financed through Youth in Action funding, Action 5.1 intended to facilitate the dialogue between young people and policy makers. The idea was to create a debating society style event where young people could discuss issues that are relevant to themselves. This also served as a consultative forum and supported the aims of the Structured Dialogue process under the Renewed Framework for European Cooperation in the Youth Field. Young people are a heterogeneous cohort and this project created the space and opportunity for different youth groups to engage in critical debates about topics they placed on the agenda. This provided a rich learning opportunity, as young people communicated their ideas in a strategic manner, developed their advocacy skills, considered alternative perspectives and view points and in some cases, made determined calls for change. The topics chosen were contemporary and sometimes controversial, fuelling disagreements, sometimes polarised views and indeed some passionate debating. Do not take information at face value, challenge yourself, think critically and then make your decisions, accepting their full consequences Ms. Miriam Teuma 6

In more concrete terms young people discussed the following issues: The legalisation of drugs Lowering the voting age to

up to 18 years Same-sex marriage Present during the debates were Ms.

Stefan Buontempo, Parliamentary Secretary for Reserach, Innovation, Youth and Sport who urged young people to express

7 In more concrete terms young people discussed the following issues: The legalisation of drugs Lowering the voting age to 16 years The teaching of religion in public schools Compulsory community service for young people Obligatory schooling up to 18 years Same-sex marriage Present during the debates were Ms. Miriam Teuma, CEO Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, who encouraged young people to engage in critcal thinking and debate and Dr. Stefan Buontempo, Parliamentary Secretary for Reserach, Innovation, Youth and Sport who urged young people to express their opinions at every given opportunity. Don t limit your voice to this project, express your voice at work, on the streets, in the media and wherever you are! Dr. Stefan Buontempo 7

8 3D Discuss Debate Decide

The Legalisation of Drugs MaltMUN Society argued in favour of a reform in the law. They called for a reclassification of drugs and suggested that soft drugs use should be decriminalised.

10 The Legalisation of Drugs MaltMUN Society argued in favour of a reform in the law. They called for a reclassification of drugs and suggested that soft drugs use should be decriminalised. They argued that the present system was not working and countries that relaxed their drug laws saw decrease in abuse. AEGEE took a middle of the road approach; however they argued that when countries experimented with more liberal policies there seemed to be a reduction in drug abuse. However they also pointed out that one should proceed with caution as legalisation might lead to more drug use. We need a softer approach in the case of early stage drug abuse AEGEE River of Love Youth argued against the motion. They claimed that soft drugs are gateway drugs. They eventually lead to harder drugs. They questioned the morality of the issue asking those present for the debate to imagine a scenario where drugs were legal and taxed what about the children of drug abusers? A distinction should be made between drug users and drug traffickers: victims need care and not criminalisation MaltMUN Society 10

Comments from the floor: The teams supporting the motion failed to make a strong argument for legalization, the key argument appears to be we lost the war on

The thrill of drug abuse is not the only reason persons use drugs addiction is far more complex There is a clear need for more services; keep prison as a last

11 Comments from the floor: The teams supporting the motion failed to make a strong argument for legalization, the key argument appears to be we lost the war on drugs, so let s give up. The thrill of drug abuse is not the only reason persons use drugs addiction is far more complex There is a clear need for more services; keep prison as a last resort. Classification sends the wrong message: soft drugs are also dangerous. There is a huge difference between legalization and decriminalization. There are contradictions inherent to society, what of alcohol abuse? There is a need to dig deeper and understand why young people abuse drugs! 11

AEGEE - Valletta AEGEE (Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l Europe - European Student Forum) is a secular, non-profit organization, not linked to any political party.

12 River of Love Youth River of Love Youth is a group of young people who are engaged to experience spiritual growth through Christ. The group has regular weekly meetings for spiritual growth, teen workshops, a drama team, a football team and social team that organises camping and other adventurous activities. AEGEE - Valletta AEGEE (Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l Europe - European Student Forum) is a secular, non-profit organization, not linked to any political party. All projects and activities are based on voluntary work of its members. AEGEE-Valletta is the local antenna of AEGEE-Europe. Malta Model United Nations Society (MaltMUN) The MaltMUN Society is an autonomous, international, nonprofit organization committed to securing close ties among the most diverse of its members, investing in their personal development and nurturing leadership skills, whilst embracing the spirit of the United Nations. 12 We must really start to question why do young people use drugs? River of Love Youth

13 Lowering The Voting Age To 16 Years There should be more education courses such as that provided in the Systems of Knowledge which can prepare the young for voting The Xagħra Scout Group 13

The Xagħra Scout Group argued that they stand for the empowerment of young people and lowering the voting age would actually empower young people.

They called for caution and argued that there needs to be an educational programme in secondary schools that would encourage young people to engage in critical thinking to really understand

14 The Xagħra Scout Group argued that they stand for the empowerment of young people and lowering the voting age would actually empower young people. They were however concerned with whether 16 year olds would actually engage critically in the political debate. They called for caution and argued that there needs to be an educational programme in secondary schools that would encourage young people to engage in critical thinking to really understand their rights and duties and distance themselves form partisan politics. The Daring Darlings argued in favour of the motion, maintaining that young people need to be given the space to express themselves. They contended that young people are already demonstrating that they have an important role to play and their 14

full participation leaves a positive effect. They cited school committees, local councils and band clubs as examples of youth participation and political engagement.

Tools such as the internet and social media inform young people on political issues and help them to mature politically and to be prepared for elections.

15 full participation leaves a positive effect. They cited school committees, local councils and band clubs as examples of youth participation and political engagement. They argued that young people today are much more critical as they have a lot more information. Tools such as the internet and social media inform young people on political issues and help them to mature politically and to be prepared for elections. Research shows that nowadays young people mature more quickly and lowering the voting age would strengthen democracy. The Daring Darlings. Comments from the floor: Young people do not demonstrate enough awareness or maturity to exercise their vote at a younger age. Young people under the age of 18 are legally minors not adults, so how can they be given this responsibility? Political partisanship and lack of critical engagement is a problem with voters of all ages this should not be a concern limiting young people. Young people should be granted full citizenship not partial and hence should be able to vote. 16 year olds are more vulnerable to being influenced by the peer group. Xagħra Scout Group Xaghra Scout Group are about having fun and being active, developing friendships, gradually meeting personal challenges and fostering personal and team skills. Daring darlings The Daring Darlings is a non-formal group of young people who look into ways on how to promote healthy living through sport in the community. 15

16 Teaching Religion in State Schools Uffiċċju Missjunarju made the case in favour of the motion. They argued that priority should be given to teaching Roman Catholicism in schools since this is the religion of the majority of the Maltese. However, they also argued that the curriculum should not focus on doctrine, but should tackle broader issues. Religion is part of history and will remain important in the lives of young people and broader society. Religious teaching should not focus on doctrine, it should tackle broader issues - Uffiċċju Missjunarju 16

17 MIRSA argued in favour of the motion but they suggested religion lessons should include the five main world religions. They argued that as part of an increasingly globalized world, Malta is becoming increasingly diverse, and education should reflect this diversity. Teaching religion should be about unity and not conflict MIRSA Ċentru Żgħażagħ Balzan rejected the motion. They argued against compulsory religious lessons in schools. They maintained that the Maltese classroom is increasingly diverse and that students should be given the option to learn about different religions. They questioned why should I learn a religion and be tested on something I don t believe in? They called for a change in direction and to start teaching about different religions in order to allow young people to make an informed choice. Religions should unite us Ċentru Żgħażagħ Balzan Comments from the floor: Malta is no longer insular so how can Catholicism be imposed? The present situation generates exclusion. In Physical Education students are exposed to all sports religion should be treated the same. Students should be exposed to different religions, if a young person wants to learn about Roman Catholicism he or she can purse this outside of school. Malta is based on Roman Catholicism it is at the core of the Maltese identity. Teaching tradition to children is great, but young people need to make choices imposition doesn t work. Should morality be taught through religion? 17

18 Ċentru Żgħażagħ Balzan The aim of the Balzan Youth Centre is to coordinate young people s work within the parish. Activities aiming at enhancing formation, education, leisure and young people s participation as well as religious and social activities. The Malta International Relations Student Association (MIRSA) The Malta International Relations Student Association offers assistance to students studying International Relations at the University of Malta by initiating a culture of debate amongst students, provide academic assistance to its members and to promote the discipline amongst those drawn to the subject. Uffiċju Missjunarju The Pontifical Mission Societies have the common aim of spreading missionary awareness among adults and children; encouraging aid to the poor, and gathering financial support for different projects in third world countries. 18

19 Should community service be compulsory? By directly experiencing the value of giving a service to others young people will learn to appreciate such work IAESTE 19

Speaking from first hand experience they argued that community work provides a rich learning experience. Għaqda tal-malti stood against the motion.

20 IAESTE kicked off the debate by taking a strong stand in favour of the motion. They argued that community service should be obligatory for young people because both society and the individual would benefit. Speaking from first hand experience they argued that community work provides a rich learning experience. Għaqda tal-malti stood against the motion. They argued that such work should come from the heart and that the voluntary nature of such work is central making community work compulsory would strip it of this value. As soon as such work is made compulsory, we lose the concept of the free person - obliging a person threatens the very liberty of the person. It s about giving, and not about receiving a social education Għaqda tal-malti 20

Third World Group agreed that the voluntary nature of community work was very important, however, they argued, given the

A nudge in the right direction can help young people develop a social conscience, community work provides valuable

floor: There is a need for more extra curricular activities and non-formal education community service should be

The former ensures that every young person is exposed to such work.

21 Third World Group agreed that the voluntary nature of community work was very important, however, they argued, given the rich learning opportunities such work provides, making it compulsory would not do any harm. A nudge in the right direction can help young people develop a social conscience, community work provides valuable learning opportunities, in particular about social problems in the immediate community Third World Group Comments from the floor: There is a need for more extra curricular activities and non-formal education community service should be compulsory. We should not confuse community service with voluntary work. The former ensures that every young person is exposed to such work. This in turn will generate a sense of belonging in the community. Most young people would not be against compulsory community service, but do they have time? It is good to give back to society, to the community, and to the nation. Community service should be compulsory. 21

Għaqda tal-malti The aim of the organisation is to keep in touch with the students and those interested in Maltese language by organising events such as literary evenings, creative writing programs

22 Għaqda tal-malti The aim of the organisation is to keep in touch with the students and those interested in Maltese language by organising events such as literary evenings, creative writing programs such as Taħżiż (in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and Fondazzjoni AWL),and large scale events such as The European Day of Languages in Malta. The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) IAESTE is an independent, non-profit and nonpolitical student exchange organisation. It provides students of science, engineering, technology and the applied arts with paid, course-related, technical training abroad. Third World Group The Third World Group is a national voluntary non-governmental and not for profit organization based in Malta that is committed towards Third World issues and people who live in depressed areas in Malta and abroad. 22

23 Should Education Be Compulsory Up To 18 Years Of Age? Compulsory education up to the age of 18 would provide more time to develop social skills and be better prepared for life. ŻTK 23

ŻTK opened the debate by stating that education should be compulsory up to the age of 18.

24 ŻTK opened the debate by stating that education should be compulsory up to the age of 18. The team argued that at the age of 16 young people are not mature enough to make decisions about their future education and/or life choices. They also stated that more exposure to the world of work, for example through job shadowing can also be provided within these extra 2 years. JEF agreed with the motion, but departed from the debate by asking what do we understand by the term education?. If the emphasis is on formal education and academic success, then the answer is no.young people should be provided with a wider choice and offered the opportunity to equip themselves with as many skills as possible. 24

The shift from a job for life to that of work for life necessarily requires more flexibility in the work force, as such education should not be limited to the formal JEF YES argued against the motion.

25 The shift from a job for life to that of work for life necessarily requires more flexibility in the work force, as such education should not be limited to the formal JEF YES argued against the motion. Speaking from personal experiences they stated that young people should be given the choice between schooling and employment. The team claimed that the school syllabus does not suit all young people. As such, young people should be given other options to explore, and this should include employment. If a young person needs to leave home because he or she is abused, how can forced education help the young person? YES Comments from the floor: If the student is forced to continue his/her education, the problem will be exacerbated. There is a need to look at what subjects would be taught in those extra 2 years they must be worthwhile for the young person. Schooling after 16 years of age should remain the choice of the individual. There is a need to reform school, and not extend it. If a person is already failing, an extra 2 years will make little difference if nothing is going to change within the education system. 25

26 JEF Malta JEF Malta is the official national section of JEF (Young European Federalists) in Malta. JEF is a pan- European network of enthusiastic and dynamic young people who profoundly believe that Europe is our future and who commit themselves to make it an even better place to live in. Żgħażagħ tal-kottonera (ŻTK) ŻTK Youth Club forms part of St Margaret College and is run by the college youth worker together with other youth workers and college support staff. It serves as a drop in centre where young people have the opportunity to spend their free time in a safe environment and participate in discussions and team building activities. Youth Engage Senglea (YES) YES (Youths Engaged in Senglea) is a voluntary group which branches out from SPYS (Salesian Pastoral Youth Services). The group was formed after the Salesians noted a lack of activies for young people in the area. The YES group, as a Salesian group, follows the teaching, philosophy and working style of St. John Bosco and aim for the holistic formation of young people. 26

27 Same-sex Marriage Look at all the research, the concept of marriage should be much more fluid The Malta Girl Guides 27

The Malta Girl Guides opened the debate by stating their clear stand in favour of the motion.

They argued that gay marriage does not affect heterosexual couples but on the other hand research showed that where gay couples have been denied such a right they

However, the team expressed reservation with regard to adoption and stated that they would not support this. They argued that a family is a husband and wife.

Furthermore, the possibility of adoption would also expose the children of this marriage to bullying.

28 The Malta Girl Guides opened the debate by stating their clear stand in favour of the motion. They claimed to stand for Human Rights for all and that all human beings are born free and equal. They argued that gay marriage does not affect heterosexual couples but on the other hand research showed that where gay couples have been denied such a right they experienced stress and depression. LINK Youth took a similar stand, opening their arguments with a call for equal rights. However, the team expressed reservation with regard to adoption and stated that they would not support this. They argued that a family is a husband and wife. The male and female role model is important and that this is how the ideal family should be comprised. Furthermore, the possibility of adoption would also expose the children of this marriage to bullying. MKSU also kicked off their argument by stating that all human beings are equal, and they stated that they stand against discrimination of gay people. They also cited religious statements to support their However stand. they stated that they stood in favour of marriage to procreate and as such they stand in favour of civil unions but against gay marriage. They argued that marriage must be with the intent of having children and that society should not institutionalize single or gay parenting as the norm. 28

The stand against gay marriage is an expression of arrogance.

29 Comments from the floor: The word marriage is being used in the wrong way. Civil Unions are acceptable, marriage between gay couples is not. Gay marriage is ok, but adoption is not. The stand against gay marriage is an expression of arrogance. Gay couples are able to love in the same way as heterosexual couples. Marriage needs love, commitment and respect. Single mothers provide one gender, but provide education and love this is enough you can t miss what you never had. 29

30 30

31 Moviment Kattoliku Studenti Universitarji (MKSU) MKSU is a student organisation which, through its dynamic presence and various activities on University Campus, brings to life its motto: 'Christian values through social commitment', thus sharing in a concrete way the Good News of God's love. LINK youth LINK is a youth group within the Parish of St. George in Qormi. It aims to help young people to grow in their relationship with God, with others and with themselves by providing a space for young people to meet up in our weekly meeting. Their activities include educational meetings, spiritual sessions, social activities and fundraising activities amongst others. Malta Girl Guides Association (MGGA) Malta Girl Guides Association have been enabling girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens. The world of Girl Guiding provides a safe place where girls can be themselves, develop personally and socially, but most of all, have fun while doing so. 31

32 3D Discuss Debate Decide

Fertility rate and employment rate: how do they interact to each other?

Fertility rate and employment rate: how do they interact to each other? Presentation by Gyula Pulay, general director of the Research Institute of SAO Changing trends From the middle of the last century