/library/oar/handle/123456789/117806 2026-06-11T09:06:39Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/137293 Title: Child marriage : an exploratory research within the MENA refugee community living in Malta Abstract: This study aims at exploring child marriage within the MENA refugee population. It bases its findings on the qualitative data collected, through semi-structured interviews, from key service providers, coming from the educational, legal and social field, as well as the MENA community members who have settled in Malta. It explores current situation of child marriage keeping the following 3 research questions as its aim. 1. How is child marriage perceived within the MENA refugee community living in Malta? 2. Why might refugee parents consider child marriage for their daughters? 3. How might service providers respond to the need of young women and families considering child marriage? This qualitative research uses a critical theory paradigm and a postcolonial feminist framework to explore the perceptions of the research participants in relation to child marriage in Malta. The thematic analysis approach outlines some of the potential factors why this practice is not only accepted but also continues to perpetuate within the island and relies on the perceptions of the participants to explain and try to understand the realities underlying this practice. The key findings of this research suggest that there are various issues related to the child marriage procedure, which are closely related to the forced migration experience and the willingness to integrate. The dichotomy between those willing to integrate and those who are resistant to integration understood within the longing to home. This investigation suggests that there is a need for more guidance and assistance on a national basis for cultural issues related to child marriage, especially since it implies a violation of child rights. Professionals interviewed expressed the need for training and policy guidelines shedding light on the outreach to be given to the girls and young women and their families. Description: M. YCS.(Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/119343 Title: Local youth organisations and environmental issues Abstract: This study seeks to understand the extent to which young people are contributing to the ever growing environmental issues. One of the main aims of the study is to analyse how youth organisations motivate their young members to contribute to both local and global environmental matters. For a better understanding of how youth organizations motivate their young members to contribute, a qualitative research method was used to compile data from six participants. For the sake of providing in-depth understanding of the young peoples and youth leaders perception, semi structured interviews were carried out. Even though there were variations in replies, most of the participants shared mutual experiences. While taking into account that this dissertation does not represent all of the Maltese population, it gives an insight into the extent young people are positively contributing to the ever-growing environmental issues and how youth organisations motivate their young members to contribute to both local and global environmental matters. A thematic analysis was carried out from which five themes from the in-depth interviews emerged. The results show that young people show their concern when it comes to environmental issues and try to do their utmost to contribute in a positive way. Results also indicate that the environment is considered to be an important matter for young people and is placed on top of their priority list. The fact that youth are part of an organisation from a very young age helps them to have a better understanding of their responsibilities towards the environment. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/119341 Title: Youth’s attitudes and perceptions of the Malta police force Abstract: The identification and analysis of youth’s attitudes and perceptions towards law enforcement are crucial as depending upon young people’s satisfaction level, the relationship between both parties will be affected. By having a dilute relationship, young people’s collaboration towards legitimacy will diminish, and the police are more prone to become subjected to violence (Gleeson, 2018). The primary aim of this dissertation is to examine young people’s attitudes towards the Malta Police Force. It also delves into the factors that form and influence these perceptions and other external aspects that have a significant role. The study is based upon a quantitative research approach using questionnaires as the main tool. In an attempt to reach as many young people as possible and as a means of ensuring a representative sample, these questionnaires were distributed among different entities and to both local and foreign nationals residing in Malta. Main findings from the study present that the respondents expressed overall positive satisfaction levels towards the Malta Police Force; however, this result is slightly higher above the average. Furthermore, it can be said that the main factors that contribute to the formation and shaping of attitudes and perceptions towards the police were gender, employment, media, contact with the police and victimisation. Such an outcome is essential to augment existing research and to aid in developing and enhancing upcoming police strategies and policies. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/119340 Title: Exploring the lived experience of young Maltese ethnic minorities Abstract: This study seeks to delve into the lived experiences of young Maltese ethnic minorities. The ultimate goal of the research is to identify, understand and acknowledge the experiences of young Maltese nationals who also identify as representing an ethnic minority. Through a qualitative approach and the use of semi-structured interviews, the researcher attempts to understand young peoples’ experiences, from their own perspective. While this dissertation and the experiences cited in the research do not characterise the lived experience of all young Maltese ethnic minorities, it nevertheless offers an insight into the increasing diversity in Maltese society. The research navigates through the notion of Malteseness, how they cope within society and the different relationships, as well as the opportunities, challenges, and practises that may be part of the lived experience of a young person that identifies as part of an ethnic minority. In conclusion, the study illustrates suggestions and recommendations for future research with reference to the lived experiences of young Maltese ethnic minorities. Description: B.A. (Hons) YCS (Melit.) 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z