16th March 2000: Quality Service Charter launched at Department of Youth and Sport

Mr John Demanuele addresses the press at the launch of the Quality Service Charter for the Department of Youth and Sport flanked by Parliamentary Secretary for  Dr Jesmond Mugliett in the Ministry of Education (on his right) and Minister of Justice and Local Government, Dr Austin Gatt.  Also present were Mr Paul A. Attard, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education (extreme left) and Mr Anthony Mifsud, Director General, OPM.

As reported in The Malta Independent of March 17, the Department of Youth and Sport  is the 20th government department to launch its Quality Service Charter.  Through the charter the department commits itself to providing an efficient and effective service to the thousands of young men and women who avail themselves of its services.  It offers clients and potential clients a guide to the department and outlines the services it provides and the standards it aims to achieve.

Department director John Demanuele yesterday morning formally presented a copy of the Charter to  the Parliamentary Secretary in the Education Ministry Jesmond Mugliett.  Present for the ceremony at the department's offices in Floriana were Justice and Local Government Minister Austin Gatt and Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry Paul Attard.

The mission of the Department of Youth and Sport is twofold: to promote the development of sport in Malta and to act as a catalyst in the creation of an environment which provides young people with the right opportunities and space to fully exploit their energies and talents.  Mr Demanuele explained how several programmes had been initiated over the past months to translate the National Youth Policy into concrete action.  These initiatives included the strengthening of the youth exchange scheme.  For the first time this year participants in the scheme can choose to travel not only to the usual destinations but also to China.  The number of young people who took part in these exchanges was 130 in 1998 and 153 in 1999.  The Department also assists foreign young people who come to Malta by organising programmes for them.

Parliamentary Secretary Jesmond Mugliett observed that the Quality Service Charter was significantly launched during the week of activities which are being held to mark National Youth Day which will be celebrated on Tuesday.  Mr Mugliett stressed the government's commitment to put the principles of the National Youth Policy in practice by providing opportunities to a larger number of young people.  He said that the Department of Youth and Sport will in the coming months, start holding regular research exercises and will draw up a strategic plan for the implementation of the policy.