Maltese youth participation in the EU youth programme

Abstract

Since its first application for membership to the European Union in July 1990, Malta has been increasing its familiarization and participation in three European Union educational programmes: Leonardo da Vinci, Socrates and Youth. By the end of 1999, when Malta's request to join EU was approved a package of financial aid from the European Union to Malta was negotiated. Malta was now able to fully participate in such programmes. From this small beginning, both Local and European report witnessed a continuous and extraordinary development in Maltese youth participation. It is evident that Maltese Youth are reaping immense benefits in their educational, personal and social development by participating in these programmes. Although such evidence is highly visible for policy makers and even to the general public, absence of local research in the area has deprived us from highlighting and quantifying the impact on both personal and social developments associated with youth participation in such programmes. Unfortunately enough our size imposes constraints, one of them being lack of research due to financial viability. This small scale qualitative study highlights how and to what extent youth participation in the YOUTH programme contributes to the development of a healthy personal formation through active citizenship and to community development. The aim of such research was two fold, the primary being my acquisition of scientific research skills/tools as a student, which is considered vital in the youth work profession. Secondly, such research is going to highlight the contribution of such programmes to the Life long learning concept and towards the recognition and accreditation of Informal learning. This study has found that the EU YOUTH programme is contributing to the social, personal and educational development of Maltese young people. Such study found also that young people need reliable and tailor-made information through the proper channels. Moreover, such study confirms that young people participation in such program is contributing towards recognition of non-formal learning.