Three out of four young people in Cyprus say they are satisfied to a large or quite a large extent with their quality of life, according to the survey on "Attitudes and perceptions on citizen participation in decision-making and active citizenship" and the "Active Minds" Programme, presented on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace by the Office of the Citizens' Commissioner and the National Authority of Evidence.
However, the findings of the survey indicate that young people's perceptions regarding the existence of encouraging prospects for them are a cause for concern, as the degree of agreement with the statement is close to the average (4.93/10), while only 4% rate the statement as 9 or 10/10.
Regarding their information habits, young people seem to make use of digital media.
As stated in the presentation of the survey, young people's main activities in their free time are socialising with family and friends, playing sport and using the Internet and social media.
The concept of active citizenship, according to young people, cannot be defined through a one-dimensional approach, but involves a patchwork of characteristics and skills, i.e. it resembles an elaborate mosaic.
According to young people, the main characteristics of active citizenship are participation in public life, volunteering and participation in electoral processes.
In addition to these basic characteristics, other aspects that make up the concept of active citizenship are related to sociability, creativity, information, awareness of society and the environment and taking initiatives.
According to the survey, only ¼ of young people have been involved in civil society organisations in the last 12 months.
According to the survey, only ¼ of young people have been involved in civil society organisations in the last 12 months. The organisations with the highest participation rates were environmental protection (27%), activities for children and adolescents (19%) and human rights and social justice (18%).
Lack of time is for the majority (55%) of young people the reason why they have not been involved in voluntary groups.
Regarding their degree of identification with characteristics of active citizenship, the highest levels of identification were recorded in the parameters related to paying social debts (paying taxes 4.74/5), protecting the environment (4.56/5), and participating in electoral processes.
During his introductory intervention, the Commissioner for Citizens, Mr. Panagiotis Sentonas, among others, underlined that the survey will be used for the development of the National Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance.
The Strategy sets the policy framework, vision, objectives and priorities in relation to the effective participation of citizens in decision-making.
He also noted that the findings are the basis for the 'Active Minds' Programme, which aims to cultivate knowledge, skills and attitudes that will strengthen the active participation of citizens in public life."
Ms. Ioanna Fiacou, President of the National Betting Authority, which supports the implementation of the "Active Minds" Programme, in her welcome address, noted that "synergies such as the one with the Commissioner for Citizens for the implementation of the 'Active Minds' Programme contribute to the Authority's strategic objective of protecting and empowering society as a whole and indirectly preventing problematic behaviours and developing protective factors in young people.
Through the programme and the educational themes, he said, young people will develop skills of great importance for today's society and understand the importance of active citizenship for their personal progress.
"We are confident that 'Active Minds' will be embraced by civil society and contribute to the creation of tomorrow's active citizens of a sustainable and resilient society," he added.
In his own introductory intervention, Professor Constantinos N. Fellas, Senior Vice Rector of the University of Nicosia, stressed that the research comes to shed light with validity and scientific evidence on the role of social partners and especially the contribution of young people in shaping the socio-political process.
"Through the presentation of the results, we will see that citizens are invited to play an active role in building a healthy democratic society, developing skills and attitudes of active citizenship", he noted.
The main findings of the survey were presented by Dr. Alexandros Antonaras, Vice President of Student Services and Associate Professor of the School of Business Administration at the University of Nicosia,
Source: KYPE
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