Active youth : enhanced opportunities? : ‘a Gozitan perspective’

Abstract

Non-formal education has a direct impact on Gozitan youth. To investigate this relationship, the researcher identified four research objectives: the relationship between non-formal education and the students’ academic achievement; any values or skills that the students gain from these non-formal activities; the impact these activities leave on the students’ employability and on their social life. Thus, 210 questionnaires were distributed randomly to Form 5 students in secondary schools in Gozo; five single face-to-face interviews were carried out with Youth Leaders and a focus group was carried out with five Sixth Form students who actively participate in such activities. Different perspectives on the same issue were consequently obtained from the data provided. The results show that through non-formal education, students discover the psychology of life, benefit by reducing their stress levels and acquire better time management skills. Moreover, students rated self-confidence as the most important value and teamwork as the most important skill gained. Non-formal activities were also found to benefit these students in securing better careers and for their future employment as they are being favoured over inactive youth when applying for jobs. Moreover, these activities were found to build new friendships. The majority of the students who participate in non-formal education (NFE), feel that they have a more optimistic view of life. In addition to this, suggestions were made to improve current practices and thus, enhance students’ opportunities.