Special needs in the life of Gozitan young people and their place in the community

Abstract

This Research forms part of a collective work by a group of students of the Diploma in Youth Studies, in co-ordination with the Foundation OASI - Gozo. The general idea behind this collective survey was to delve deeper into the inner thoughts, desires and expectations of Gozitan Youth regarding certain issues which touch them directly. Each member of the study group had to research two topics. I chose to try and find out what the local community means to the young people in the towns and villages of Gozo. Is it relevant to them? How do they integrate in it? What are they getting from it? The other topic I worked on was what special needs do Gozitan Young people lack in their life. In order to find out more about these two issues, I analysed a sample of 50 questionnaires in which adolescents aged between 14 and 32 years answered a number of relevant questions. Besides, I personally conducted interviews and informal discussions to back the questionnaires. On analysing the answers, I discovered that the sense of community among young Gozitans is still strong. It gives them a sense of belonging, it is a source for their moral support and personal pride. However they feel they should be given more space for leadership and empowerment. Authoritarian leadership does not appeal to them. Regarding the other topic, I found out that the young people in. Gozo need more adults who understand them, more places of leisure, more financial support and more prevention programmes regarding drug and alcohol abuse. Gozitan youth is much aware that still a lot has to be done for their counterparts with physical and mental needs.