Evaluating the effects of youth cafés : a year after their introduction in Malta

Abstract

Within a short period of just one year, Aġenżija Żgħażagħ launched four Youth Cafés around Malta, as part of its function to build, strengthen and sustain the youth sector. Apart from serving as an alternative leisure facility, the Youth Cafés offer support and a number of services in a safe environment. This study aimed at looking into the Youth Cafés in depth in order to analyse the activities and services offered at these spaces, whilst examining the way in which they are running just a year into their introduction in Malta. Moreover, the purpose of the study was to bring out any positive and negative effects the Youth Cafés have upon young people who utilise the service. It was crucial to analyse the youth workers’ role at the Youth Cafés and define ways how young people can be empowered through their job. Keeping in mind that the concept of Youth Cafés is relatively new to Malta and thus still continuously developing, this study was an opportunity to reflect on the existing Youth Cafés whilst identifying key priorities and actions for the future. Using a triangulation method of research, namely focus groups with young people and interviews with youth workers, it was established that apart from serving as a safe drop-in meeting place for recreating and socialising, Youth Cafés organise structured activities through which youths can benefit by participating in both an informal and non-formal manner. The participants of this research agreed that Youth Cafés are also beneficial in that they offer continuous guidance, support and information upon several topics and issues. Through this research, the role of the youth workers employed at Youth Cafés was accentuated as a complex job, ranging from simply being a friend to being a guide and facilitator seeking to improve young people’s lives. Finally, this study gave recommendations as regards the opening times, activities and services offered as well as the promotion of the Youth Cafés.