UP2YOUTH – Case study n°2
pridal Martin Botťánek- Pridané:Jún 22, 2006
- Komentáre:Žiadny komentár
- Kategória:UP2YOUTH Slovensko
Case study n°2
Working Group: SLOVAKIA
Your Name: MACHACEK LADISLAV
Title of the study: National report on youth participation in Slovakia
Authors (who are they): Jan Šípoš, Ľubica Sobihardova, Ladislav Macháček, (Slovakia)
Relevance for Working Group:
The submitted report was elaborated based on the impulse from the European Commission (EC), which approached the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic (ME SR) with a request for the compilation of a National report on youth participation in Slovakia, which is to reflect upon and evaluate the development in the given area throughout the period of 2003 to 2005.
Research Question(s):
The report is divided into 5 parts. The first chapter provides information on the socio-demographic correlations to youth participation in Slovakia. The second part contains information on legislation defining the structural opportunities for civic and political participation of young people. The third part is dedicated to the characteristics of central, regional and local structures of youth participation, while the fourth evaluates participatory behavior of young people and the fifth explores the European dimension of youth participation.
Methodology (Survey, secondary analysis, qualitative data, no. Of respondents etc.)
The relatively general term participation was specified in the course of the preparation and public discussions held in the individual regions of Slovakia as a process, through which every citizen has the right to: information on public issues, space for the expression of own opinions and attitudes, their serious consideration and acceptance by relevant decision-makers,participation on decision-making processes and co-decision-making, active participation on public life. A maturing young person should mainly have the opportunity to learn how to use his/her rights in future civic and political participation.
Status (running, date for completion):
Completion data: Experts meetings 2005, 12.12.
Results:
The focus group discussions in some of the regional centers across the Slovak Republic among else helped identify barriers to participatory efforts and activities of young people as perceived by the participants. The attending representatives of self-governments and the youth scene mentioned the following barriers:
1. identification of citizens with consumption based values leading to the glorification of property ownership. This general tendency leaves little space for personal engagement of individuals in public life.
2. inadequate social skills of young people (related to communication and management), which would enable them to share responsibility and participate on management of activities from the point of view of the needs of society. This was often attributed to the shortcomings of the educational system. The respondents also pointed out the enduring lack of informedness about opportunities to join organisations.
3. a changing life style of young people, which directs the attention of young people more towards the resolution of existential problems (related to employment, family, partnerships), and alternative leisure time choices – with preference for more consumption oriented activities, instead of publicly beneficial activities.
4. An absence of a partnership of generations. In this regard the young people mentioned negative experiences gained in communication with adults, but also a certain shyness and fear from being confronted by adults. They also mentioned missing financial and moral evaluation of active young people in the society. In relation to the self-governments the respondents felt a certain lack of interest of self-government officials in youth related issues. Young people do not feel to be perceived as persons capable of contributing to the resolution of general problems.
Publications (type of publication, language):
Access to raw data for secondary analysis (yes/no?):
Yes.
