Insights on modern youth activism : the case of University of Malta students

Abstract

Research is an important loop in ensuring that data trickles down into policy. It is only a commitment to evidence-based research that we can truly understand the complexities of the respective phenomenon. What we have attempted to do in this piece of research, that Aġenzija Żgħażagħ commissioned to the Faculty for Social Wellbeing is precisely that, gather data that can be passed on to policy makers and practitioners to bring about potential changes. ‘Youth’ is a phenomenon that has so many facets to it and is such a malleable phenomenon that providing on-going information is a necessity. The notions of civic participation and the participation of youth in civil society remain important concepts that merit our reflection. It is through the role of activism that our country can establish and grow as a nation and having young people, through their ‘thinking out of the box’ ways, to lead the line is imperative. My experience of collaborating with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ is always a positive one. I believe that the Faculty and Aġenzija Żgħażagħ share the ethos of being at the forefront when standing up to what they believe in. I hope that this study will be another building block in having more actively engaged young people in our communities. Special thanks go to Anabel Cuff and Samantha Pace Gasan (RSOII) who worked hard under my guidance to make this study possible.