An extra 100,000 young people are to be reached under ambitious plans to revolutionise youth work across Wales. But the proposals, revealed in a new Assembly government strategy document, the National Youth Work Strategy for Wales, have already been criticised for being under-funded.
Youth schemes, such as the Duke of Edinburgh awards, are to be sold to 11 to 25-year-olds as part of the drive. But aims to ensure 90 per cent of youth workers are fully trained to deliver them, sometimes within school settings, is seen as a tall order.
So far, only pound;200,000 extra has been promised for 2007-8 by Jane Davidson, minister for education, lifelong learning and skills.
At the strategy’s launch in Cardiff last week, Professor Howard Williamson, of the University of Glamorgan and vice-chair of the Youth Justice Board, said a “vast investment” would be required.
