2014年-世界发展银行全球_Youth_in_the_Maldives___Shaping_a_New_Future_for_Young_Women_and_Men_through_Engagement_and_Empowerment_107页_2mb

Summary of the Report: Youth in the Maldives – Shaping a New Future for Young Women and Men Through Engagement & Empowerment

Core Content

This report, prepared by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Maldives, focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing Maldivian youth as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. It provides a comprehensive analysis of key areas affecting youth development, including health, education, employment, family structure, violence, and civic engagement, and offers recommendations to support their empowerment and integration into society.

Main Objectives

• To assess the current situation of youth in the Maldives.
• To identify the main challenges and risks facing young people.
• To recommend actions for the Government of Maldives to improve youth development and ensure their full participation in society.

Key Findings

Youth as the Future of the Maldives

• Youth are the future leaders and citizens of the country.
• Many young Maldivians feel disenfranchised and disconnected from society.
• There is a growing gap between youth aspirations and the reality of their socio-economic conditions.

Spatial and Social Isolation

• The Maldives has a high level of geographic isolation, with most youth living in atolls and limited access to services in rural areas.
• This isolation contributes to limited mobility, especially for women, and affects their access to education, employment, and public services.

Labor Market Constraints

• Youth unemployment is a significant issue, particularly among women.
• High reservation wages and unrealistic expectations about jobs are contributing factors.
• Schools are not adequately preparing youth with the skills needed for the labor market.

Health Challenges

• The health care system in the Maldives is largely curative rather than preventative.
• Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are limited, especially for unmarried youth.
• Health information is scarce, and access to counseling and rehabilitation services is inadequate.

Family Structure and Relationships

• High divorce rates and female-headed households are prevalent.
• Youth are often unprepared for the responsibilities of parenthood, despite social expectations.
• Family breakdown is linked to youth involvement in gangs and criminal activities.

Gangs and Violence

• Gang participation is increasing among youth, driven by unemployment, lack of social belonging, and the need to prove masculinity.
• High levels of domestic violence and broken homes lead youth to seek support from gangs.
• Youth with criminal records face challenges in reintegration into society.

Civic Engagement and Participation

• Youth are not adequately involved in decision-making processes.
• There is a need for greater civic education and leadership opportunities.

Key Recommendations

1. Conduct a National Youth Campaign

   • To foster a positive perception of youth and encourage their participation in society.
   • To communicate the Government's commitment to youth engagement and development.

2. Develop New Spaces for Youth Programming and Participation

   • Create platforms for youth to build networks, access information, and develop skills.
   • Utilize existing youth centers and community structures to support youth programming.

3. Support Preventative Healthcare for Youth

   • Shift to a preventative healthcare model.
   • Enhance youth-friendly health services, especially in sexual and reproductive health.
   • Use social media to disseminate health information and reduce stigma.

4. Prepare Young People for Employment

   • Implement a low-cost "Training PLUS" program to equip youth with necessary skills.
   • Align school curricula with labor market needs.
   • Expand after-school programs and establish internships and networks.

5. Implement Youth Score Cards in Schools

   • Encourage youth and parents to monitor school quality and promote accountability.
   • Use this tool to improve the overall educational environment.

Data and Methodology

• The report uses a youth development framework based on public health literature and adapted to the Maldivian context.
• Field-based research was conducted, including:
  • A household survey involving 1,003 individuals (402 youth aged 15–24).
  • Focus-group discussions (FGDs) with 97 youth in various locations.
• Secondary data sources include:
  • Maldivian Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS).
  • HIV and AIDS Biological and Behavioral Survey.
  • Women's Health and Life Experiences Survey.
  • National Drug Use Survey.
  • Global School-based Student Health Survey.

Conclusion

The Maldivian youth face a complex set of challenges, including limited access to education and healthcare, high unemployment, and social isolation. These issues are compounded by rigid gender norms and a lack of support for youth in transitioning to adulthood. To address these concerns, the report recommends a multifaceted approach involving policy reform, program development, and inter-sectoral collaboration. Empowering youth is essential for the long-term development and stability of the Maldives.