Adolescents' needs and religious education in year 1 technological schools

Abstract

During the phase of adolescence, youngsters are still in the forming process of their own identity. They start establishing a certain level of independence, but as yet they still need guidelines to achieve a definite meaning of "self'. Thus, religion takes a very important role in providing these guidelines, while giving meaning to one's existence. Many important norms of our social structure are built on our religious beliefs. This study tried to establish what level of importance adolescents give to Religion in their lives. It further tried to show how Trade School students aged between fourteen and seventeen years, perceive Religious education, in terms of whether their basic needs are being affected. The research work was carried out within the five Technological Schools in Malta. A total of 295 students ( 40% of total attendants) participated. They answered a questionnaire on Youth Needs, Religious beliefs and the prospective help expected to support their needs. The results have clearly shown that although Religion is not considered to be very important to these young men, they still feel the need to comprehend more about this subject which will ultimately effect their personal lives. Finally, its imperative to mention that youths are very much aware of their limited resources, undefined values and beliefs. Consequently, though not always in a transparent way, they are constantly seeking help, in their quest for guidance and support.