Malta’s Youth: Ready for Their Close-Up

In the heart of Valletta, the capital’s bustling Republic Street, a new generation of Maltese are making their mark. Among the historic buildings and tourist hubbub, you’ll find young entrepreneurs, artists, and activists, each with a story of resilience and ambition. But is Malta ready for this coming of age?

Valletta’s New Wave

Meet Alexandra Pace, 27, who opened her vegan café, ‘The Vegan Co.’, in 2020. Despite the pandemic, her plant-based creations have drawn crowds, proving that there’s an appetite for change – literally. “I wanted to show that vegan food can be delicious and accessible,” she says, her eyes sparkling with determination.

Alexandra is part of a new wave of Maltese youth who are challenging norms and carving out their own paths. They’re not just looking for jobs; they’re creating them. They’re not content with the status quo; they’re driving change. But is Malta, with its traditional structures and conservative attitudes, ready to embrace this shift?

Education and Opportunity

Malta’s education system has long been criticized for not equipping students with the skills needed for the modern world. But young people like Matthew Xuereb, 25, are proving that change is possible. Matthew co-founded ‘Code Malta’, an initiative teaching coding skills to underprivileged youth. “We need to empower our youth with the tools to create their own opportunities,” he says.

However, challenges remain. High youth unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and a political system often criticized for being insular and resistant to change, all pose obstacles to this coming of age. Yet, despite these hurdles, Malta’s young people are pushing forward, fueled by a sense of purpose and a desire to make their mark.

Politics and Activism

Take the youth-led climate activism group, ‘Climate Collective Malta’. They’ve brought thousands onto the streets, demanding action on climate change. Their persistence has paid off, with the government announcing ambitious climate targets. But is this enough? “We need to see real action, not just promises,” says group member, Maria Grech Ganado, 23.

Meanwhile, the ‘Young Labour’ movement is challenging the political establishment from within. Their leader, Daniel Micallef, 26, believes that Malta’s future lies in the hands of its youth. “We need to give young people a voice, and we need to listen to them,” he says.

So, is Malta ready for this coming of age? It’s a complex question, with no simple answer. But one thing is clear: Malta’s young people are ready to take the reins. They’re not waiting for opportunities; they’re creating them. They’re not accepting the status quo; they’re challenging it. And whether Malta is ready or not, this new wave is coming, and it’s here to stay.