|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| (I) Background to the Consultation Exercise |
|
Singaporeans aged below 40 years today form the majority of the population. This post-independence generation grew up amidst relative affluence during the period when Singapore advanced from a fledging nation to a cosmopolitan and international business city within the short span of two decades.
Being well educated and widely travelled, and growing up in a transformed environment, the younger generation has diverse needs and aspirations. The new Government headed by PM Lee Hsien Loong has sent a clear signal that it wants greater participation from the youths in shaping Singapore's future. He has called on younger Singaporeans to "step forward to make a difference to yourselves, to your fellow citizens and to Singapore" to shape our future together.
The renamed Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports will play a more active role in formulating programmes and working with other ministries to tap the energy, passion and idealism of these young Singaporeans.
Over a period of six weeks ending on 25 September 2004, a Committee, chaired by the MCYS Parliamentary Secretary, Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, and assisted by Dr Chong Weng Chiew and Ms Penny Low, two Members of Parliament born after Singapore's Independence, invited young people from all segments of our society and leaders of youth organisations to brainstorm and discuss all ideas. Singaporean youth who are currently overseas were also invited to send in their thoughts and aspirations. The focus was not just on what the Government should do, but on what young Singaporeans wanted to achieve together.
MCYS will evaluate the needs, opportunities and resources in the youth sector. The contributions from our young people will help shape the framework for youth in Singapore, and will form the basis for the future programmes of the MCYS, National Youth Council and the various youth organisations in Singapore. |
|
| More Information |
|
|
| (II) Release of the Report on the "Youth: Creating Our Future" Consultation Exercise |
|
The enthusiastic response to the "Youth: Creating Our Future" consultation exercise clearly shows that our youth have strong views, aspirations and dreams.
They want to be heard and to make a difference. They want to play a part in shaping the future they want. "The youth spoke passionately about their beliefs, shared their ideas readily. Some even volunteered to help develop the ideas and make them a reality. We are very encouraged by the energy and conviction of the youth.
This exercise showed that young Singaporeans are idealistic, have clear ideas about their future, and are willing to pursue their goals. MCYS will respond by acknowledging their contributions, and work with youth to formulate specific action plans and programmes", said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Acting Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), who launched the consultation on 14 August 2004.
The press statement, and the full report of the feedback capturing the main concerns as well as suggestions from youth participants can be found below.
|
|
| (III) Follow-up to the Consultation Exercise |
|
This exercise marks the beginning of a process of engagement and exchange of views between the Government and the youth. Some ideas can be taken up by youth themselves, while others will involve partnership with the people, private or public sectors.
The feedback gathered has been shared with the relevant agencies and will help the Government and its partners develop policies and programmes for youth, and identify priority areas for review or action. More details can be found in the Government's response of the Government to the "Youth: Creating Our Future" Consultation Exercise. |
|
| (IV) Youth Projects |
|
| The feedback from the youth also surfaced some good ideas that can be implemented. These will be facilitated by MCYS and NYC. The projects will involve the active participation of youth who came up with ideas and indicated keen interest to get involved, and include:. |
|
| 1. |
Extreme sports. Youth to organise competition cum workshop for extreme in-line skating and skateboarding. |
| 2. |
Youth Voice. Youth working with media to provide youth voices. E.g. Straits Time teaming up with NUS, NTU, SMU, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and youth who gave feedback. |
| 3. |
Re:V@MP! (Reaching Out to Empower: Volunteer @ction Mentoring Project). Training for youth to get hands-on experience in designing community involvement experiences. |
| |
| Additional details on the projects can be found in this document. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Feedback 
