The role of youth work service in addressing young people’s disengagement from education : a school managerial perspective

Abstract

In 2007, the Maltese Directorate for Educational Services (DES) introduced a number of initiatives to support disengaged students. Amongst them, Learning Support Zones (LSZ) were set up under the auspices of the Directorate for Student Services (DSS). LSZ are run by professional people to oversee the holistic well-being of students rather than merely focusing on academic achievement. The presence of new professionals, coming from various disciplinary fields, has given rise to a new perspective other than the teaching profession within the school. School staff is constantly reminded that misbehaving students are troubled students. Furthermore, awareness is being fostered with an endeavour to recognise subtle signs of disengagement; the earlier it is detected and followed by appropriate support and understanding, the more likely it is to empower and support the young person through difficulties and problems encountered. Together with other professionals, youth workers are presently working in the field in supporting disengaged students at school to enhance their engagement and contribute towards the holistic well-being of the young person. This study examines the role of the youth worker in engaging disengaged students in Maltese secondary schools from the perspective of twelve senior managers in different schools. The interpretive phenomenological analysis that has been carried out suggests that while SMTs value the role of the youth work profession in supporting disengaged students in their schools, they pointed out various barriers encountered during youth work practice. SMTs put forward their own ideas on how to improve and support the profession in schools.