Malta's generous youth

   Young people do not always receive due acknowledgement for their
   contribution to society. More often than not they get the rap for not being
   up to adult standards and expectations. They are often criticised for
   society's ills, for indisciplined behaviour, vandalism, irreverence, and a
   refusal to apply their time to useful intent.

   It remains true, however, that the young exist because we love them and
   have wished them into being. And it is not without pride that we accept
   any tangible sign that they have been behaving quite responsibly away
   from the public eye. Statistics and reports very often reveal what lies
   beneath the tip of the iceberg that we can readily observe.

   According to a new book by Anthony M. Abela, entitled 'Youth
   participation in voluntary organisations in Malta, a comparative analysis of
   European values studies', young people in Malta undertake significantly
   higher rates of unpaid work in voluntary organisations than their European
   counterparts.

   The book brings together three interrelated papers on youth studies, giving
   an account of how young people's membership has increased
   considerably in trade unions, sports, health, local community action, Third
   World development and other groups. The book also shows that this
   participation has dropped in other traditional organisations including
   Church and religious organisations, professional associations and political
   parties.

   At the same time, there has been a significant expansion in unpaid
   voluntary work for most organisations. This is certainly good news and
   points to the strength of traditional values in our society. All is not lost yet.

   Disillusionment with the divisiveness and seeming inanity of local politics
   easily explains the withdrawal of youth from participation there, though it is
   dangerous to think that they do not care what happens to the country and
   in parliament, or will not know how to vote or make their considerable
   strength felt.

   Some disillusionment with the Church, and weakening of religious faith
   may account for lack of participation in Church groups, but there are many
   other groups now where fewer opportunities existed in the old days.
   Nevertheless, it would be wise to take note.

   The truth is that youth love to see results. If they are going to give of their
   time, they want to see an immediate effect. In this regard, there are few
   things more satisfying than charitable work, especially of the sort that
   looks after the sick and helpless, builds crumbling walls or cleans up
   areas of dirt and rubbish. Youth do not take easily to training or
   worshipping groups which may seem to lack an immediate outlet for
   activity.

   Youth are generous. They have a big heart. What they often lack is
   leadership and somebody with the inspiration and charisma to lead or an
   ideal to follow. Good leaders with stamina never lack followers, especially
   where young people are concerned.

   It is good to see that in the local community neither leaders with charisma
   nor youth with willingness to help are lacking.

   The book is based on a report prepared for the parliamentary secretariat of
   the education ministry. Neither the report nor its informed reading by
   sociologist Anthony M. Abela should be neglected.