The NYA Blog
Young People Dispel Stereotypes with Pure Aspiration – Comment from Fiona Blacke
12 August 2010
I have just read with interest the findings launched by the Jack Petchey Foundation, which has undertaken extensive research into the aspirations and motivations of young people.
Their research dispels almost every myth in existence about young people and, not surprisingly for those who actually work in the youth sector, finds that young people are engaged in politics, have a strong sense of social responsibility and are not interested in fame and fortune.
Young people play such a vital role in society, at the end of the day they are the future, yet still there is such a negative perception of them.
For example, a recent survey, undertaken as part of Think Big, asked adults if they would trust a young person with £300.
Although 71 per cent said that they believed young people have the power to make a positive impact in their communities, 46 per cent still felt that they would squander the money, provided through Think Big, and not use it for its intended purpose of community enhancement.
What a dreadful view of young people.
Programmes such as Think Big are working hard to dispel these myths by giving young people the opportunity to prove their value to their local community.
We have seen some tremendous projects put forward that serve to demonstrate this negative view of young people is unfounded.
We all need to work hard to combat the negative image of young people, so that they can grow and develop in a world of opportunities, rather than surrounded by stifling pessimism.
Youth Work Week aims to highlight the achievements of young people through “Celebrating Great Youth Work”. We are urging as many youth organisations and young people as we can to get involved so that they can demonstrate what a positive contribution they make to society.
To get involved with Youth Work Week join our campaign on Facebook.
ENDS