Youths turn second chance into life-changing opportunity

Students whose future looked bleak after having faced a number of obstacles at school were this evening awarded certificates having completed the Youth.inc training programme, a course which saw students obtaining levels 1 and 2 in various areas.

Perhaps the most emotional moment was when the mother of a 17-year-old deaf teenager spoke about how the programme had changed her daughter, turning her into an independent young woman who did not fear catching the bus by herself.

"The change in my daughter is so evident that everyone has noticed how lively she has become, always smiling and eager to go to school," the emotional mother said.

Five teenagers sitting on a panel shared their own personal experiences, explaining how the programme helped them regain trust in themselves.

"I was bullied at my old school but this programme helped me build my self-esteem... that self-esteem you need not to be bullied and not to bully," an aviation enthusiast said.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo thanked former education minister Dolores Cristina, under whom the project was launched. He explained that between 500 and 600 teenagers do not follow any courses, are not in training or are unemployed.

The certificate awarding ceremony saw over 260 students receiving the certificates, some of whom had attended the course four years ago but never received a certificate.

Youth.inc targets youths aged between 16 and 21 and trains them in acquiring the necessary skills to lead an independent life, preparing them for work. The programme is recognised by the National Commission for Higher and Advanced Education and targets basic skills, life skills, work placements, vocational training and activities.

Students follow courses in English, Maltese, Maths, IT, life skills, the use of Maltese, and learning English through Drama.