At the Cabinet's weekly meeting today, Premier Mao Chi-kuo gave the thumbs-up to the Ministry of Education (MOE) for drafting a youth policy guideline that reaffirms the government's goal of helping young people realize their dreams.
In addressing young people's needs, the MOE has incorporated public- and private-sector resources and aligned existing and new policies to map out the guideline, which encompasses many creative strategies to help build an environment conducive to young people's development, the premier said.
The guideline aims to cultivate young people's capabilities in six key elements: health, learning, citizenship, international perspectives, employment and happiness. These elements are largely inspired by interaction with young people, and will require cross-ministry efforts for effective implementation, Mao said. As for Minister without Portfolio Feng Yen's suggestion for adding an "innovation and creativity" element, the premier said further discussion may be conducted and that it could be added as a seventh element or incorporated into the "learning" element.
Premier Mao directed related ministries agencies to integrate and implement more detailed measures based on the guideline, while conducting rolling reviews for further improvement. He also asked the Minister Feng to guide the MOE as it revises the guideline based on suggestions offered at the meeting.
The guideline represents the government's declaration of the direction it will be taking, Premier Mao said, but it is the end result that counts most. He instructed ministries to review their plans whenever necessary and evaluate the results on a timely basis.
According to the MOE, the government has started a dialogue with netizens, expanded the younger generations' role in the decision-making process, formulated relevant policies, and offered idled public buildings to young entrepreneurs.
And to address concerns about income and housing, the government is amending four laws related to wages (the Company Act, Factory Act, Labor Standards Act, and Act for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises), while reforming property and land taxes. Rental subsidies will also be provided to more households.
In drafting the guideline, the MOE examined the needs of Taiwan's younger generations through online surveys, public hearings, and consulting meetings with scholars, experts, and the Executive Yuan's youth advisory group. The MOE also studied the youth policies of the United Nations and other countries and targeted its strategies at those from 15 to 35 years of age.