Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/985406
OPINION maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 23 MAY 2018 8 YOUTH Guarantee is a commitment of the Maltese Government and the govern- ments of the European Mem- ber States in order to secure that all young people under the age of 25 are in employ- ment, continuing education, or training. Through several projects and initiatives, the Youth Guar- antee is managing to reach millions of youths among Eu- ropean Union countries. This is being done through local programmes by the respective governments with the support of the European Union. In Malta, the Youth Guarantee administration falls under the Ministry for Education and Employment. This programme places par- ticular emphasis on increas- ing social inclusion for young people, more participation in democratic and civic life, and easier transition to employ- ment, particularly by integrat- ing into the world of work. The General Workers Union through the GWU Youths forms part of the Youth Guarantee advisory commit- tee, which is represented by Andre Damato. The committee is responsi- ble for reviewing the policies and the Youth Guarantee schemes in Malta and recom- mends necessary revisions to the programme so that this is improved and strength- ened. This committee also proposes new ideas for the development of new projects in Malta. The Youth Guarantee seeks to address the obstacles that hinder the transition from education, inactivity or unem- ployment. At the same time, it safeguards the selection of in- dividuals to design and build their future while providing a support network for those who need protection and as- sistance. The programme cov- ers all young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). We agree that lack of activ- ity may result from sev- eral factors, including family responsibilities and health problems, but can also be due to discouragement and lack of incentive as one tries to find work. In Malta, from 2016 on- wards, slightly less than 2000 young persons participated in one of the Youth Guarantee initiatives. Very encouraging results are that more than half of these youths suc- cessfully completed the full programme. In Malta, the Youth Guaran- tee is made up of four differ- ent initiatives: 1) The NEET Scheme, which provides training to improve specific skills on a six week ba- sis, followed by experience of twelve weeks work. 78 young person who participated in the training between 2016 and 2017 today are working, study- ing or doing other training. 2) Classes of SEC Review (O-Levels). Students who fail their examinations at SEC level in core subjects are offered revision classes during the summer months, in preparation for resits that take place in September. The classes are held in the subjects of Maltese, English, Math- ematics, Biology and Physics. Through this programme, students are helped to remain in the education system and continue advancing to higher education. 845 young per- son who participated in the classes between 2016 and 2017 are working, studying or training today. 3) MCAST remedial classes. With this initiative, students who fail any of the tests from Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 of the respective course in Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) are given training and support in preparation for their final assessment in September. Through these classes, there were no less than 165 young persons who, between 2016 and 2017, could continue to successive levels in their stud- ies at MCAST. 4) IT Summer Courses. This programme is aimed for secondary students aged between 15 and 25 by provid- ing additional educational opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge of practices in IT. 154 young person who participated in the training between 2016 and 2017 are now working or studying. Factors leading to the suc- cess of the Youth Guarantee are: - The strong support from the Maltese Government and local coordination; - Outcome strategies to bring more young people into the scheme of Youth Guar- antee; - The presence of a cen- tral point of contact to help provide services designed specifically for the needs of the person; - The removal of barriers between education and the employer; - Modern education sys- tems and vocational training to provide the skills needed to the employer; - The strong involvement of trade unions and employers. The GWU Youths is com- mitted to continue its sup- port to the youth guarantee to most Maltese and Gozo youths in order to have a bet- ter life and future. For more information on the Youth Guarantee contact the administrators in the Ministry of Education and Employment on 2598 2280/2 or Facebook facebook.com/ youthguaranteemalta or visit the website education.gov.mt/ youthguarantee Andre Damato is the president of GWU Youths www.gwuy- ouths.com. Member organisations of the National Youth Council (KNZ) have been invited to submit opinion articles on topics affecting youths today, to its member organisations. The contents of the article do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Council. The benefits of the Youth Guarantee programme Andre Damato In Malta, from 2016 onwards, slightly less than 2000 young persons participated in one of the Youth Guarantee initiatives This programme places particular emphasis on increasing social inclusion for young people