The UP Foundation, an educational initiative active in the Grand Duchy for the past five years, has recently addressed questions around youth development in a new policy document entitled ‘Seeds for Education’. Using a figurative manner, the foundation describes every child as a unique seed with different roots, growth rate, and development path.
In concrete terms, the paper retains ten conditions considered necessary for proper youth development. Spokesperson Ben Piret, for one, described diversity as a combination of strength and opportunity: “Every child has their individual needs and that is why it’s important to not lose track of diversity.” The inclusion of juveniles in the decision-making processes is considered equally important.
According to spokesperson Liz Kremer, mental health is another crucial issue: “Everything that happens from infancy onward is important. Yes, you can treat issues later on, but it is important to build a foundation early on to strengthen the mental health of our children and the young.”
The foundation’s policy document concludes with a general appeal to ensure that children and the young can benefit from the best development conditions possible.
