Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/224217
22 Opinion maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2013 Marlene Mizzi Of this and that… Gaudeamus Igitur Over the last few weeks, our newspapers were filled with endless lists of names of students graduating from the University of Malta. It is very encouraging to see an ever-increasing number of students graduating and embarking on a professional career. It was interesting to note that there are more female graduands that there were men. I hope that the trend which to date has seen many of these female graduands disappear from the job market – as if they have fallen into the Bermuda Triangle between University and the job market – will be reversed. Although graduating from university is, and should be, a very important step in one's life, it should not be seen as the be-all-and-end-all of one's professional development. It is not a point of arrival, but a point of departure. They must keep their thirst for knowledge growing, not only with further academic achievements, but also with life experiences. Without such drive and initiative, their full potential as individuals will not be reached. Despite these encouraging numbers of graduating students, one must not get the impression that all is well and good in our educational system. As a society, we still have a responsibility to keep on fostering a better educational environment for present generations in order to be able to sustain our society for the future. What is most important is that our education system gears up to the need of the job market in order to be able to match skills to the requirements of the market. Only then will we ensure that the qualifications and sacrifices made in student years are rewarded with satisfying, successful careers. Re-launching Europe As politicians, we must ensure that our younger generations do have a future to aspire to. Unfortunately, the current scenario is not looking that good especially on a European level. Young people are finding Gaia Cauchi it increasingly hard to find employment and although the economic situation has started to slowly recover, the huge problem of youth unemployment is still with us. As a Socialist and Democrats group, we have always maintained the position that the current situation is not sustainable. The primary focus should be on getting people back into work and on restarting the European Economy. This should not be done by applying savage austerity measures, but rather by trying to own the issues of the future. Any long-term economic planning should be done with these concepts in mind. The idea of sustainability – on an economic, social as well as environmental level – should be always kept in mind. Without such social conscience, the European project runs the risk of really losing its identity. As a member of the Jobs for Europe initiative (of the S&D group in the European Parliament), an exhaustive study is being prepared to chart the way for job creation, with special focus on young people. This is the way forward. The S&D vision to relaunch Europe contrasts sharply with the visions that have been put forward by the other political groups in Europe. The upcoming parliamentary elections in Europe will be offering the citizens with the perfect opportunity to compare the visions put forward in this regard by different political groups… and make their choice. The Addis Ababa mission Earlier this month, I attended the joint ACP-EU Parliamentary meeting that was held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. Although these meetings are viewed by some as being a waste of taxpayers' money, the case is quite the contrary. As policy makers, it is imperative that we have the best possible knowledge about what is going on in the world. The ACP–EU delegation seeks to understand better those countries heavily funded by the EU. However, such knowledge could be easily be underestimated when one only looks at it from the comfort of one's home. It is thanks to such meetings that, as hands-on parliamentarians, we are able to see and experience the of these countries, leading for better understanding of their problems. It is only by listening to the members of parliament from African countries that one can Many a young talented person has been spoilt by early fame having neglected a more lasting investment – that of education gauge the difficulties, as well as the bi-lateral opportunities, which exist. During this joint-Parliamentary meeting, I had the opportunity to represent the S&D group on the South-South and Triangular cooperation report. Our relationships with these countries must transform themselves into equal relationships where both sides are able to treat each other as equals. By doing so, we will be able to create long-lasting relationships between the two sides that will fruitful over time. Gaia Oh what a circus! The delightful 11-year-old with a beautiful voice and impressive stage presence has been thrown in the vortex of politics and controversy. How unfortunate! As I stated on my Facebook profile, I will not go into whether she should be given a national honor or not, or what this honour should be. In my opinion the reaction of the public was OTT and somehow tainted this event. Let's face it, no such hoo- haa surrounded any other person honored by the state in the past – and I could think of some questionable recipients – so why now? My concern is that this sudden fame will not give the impression to this girl, on the doorstep of impressionable teenage years, that this is what life is all about. Many a young talented person has been spoilt by early fame having neglected a more lasting investment – that of education. But nor do I want to rain on Gaia's success. Let her enjoy her success for some time. She deserves the limelight. Then, and after she places her medal in the show case, she returns to being a little 11-year-old doing what normal 11-year-olds do, certainly continue nurturing her considerable talent, but without making taking part in a song contest as a scope in life. Notwithstanding, brava Gaia… and well done to her team. Marlene Mizzi is a member of the European Parliament