The summer season comes as a unique time window that young people in the Arab world welcome with great enthusiasm. Away from the burdens of studying and the pressures of exams, summer carries within it a golden opportunity to acquire new skills and enjoy leisure time. However, this precious time can turn into a real challenge if not wisely utilized, manifesting in how to direct energy and time towards what is beneficial and enjoyable simultaneously.
When time turns into a space of emptiness, young people find themselves at a crossroads: either they drown in a sea of aimlessness or sail towards achievement. This concept is reflected in the well-known prophetic saying: " Two blessings which many people squander: Good health and free time." Therefore, summer is not just a season; it is a significant time window that grants Arab youth the opportunity to think outside the academic box, discover their talents, and hone their skills.
Self-Development
In a study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence in 2018, researcher Patrick Benmer explored the role of summer programs focusing on science and technology in encouraging young people to engage more in these fields. He concluded that summer can be an ideal time for young people to explore their scientific and technological interests in an informal learning environment.
Additionally, a study conducted by Harvard University in 2018 showed that non-academic summer activities can enhance young people's problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Examples include short training courses in fields such as programming, graphic design, or learning foreign languages, contributing to the development of youth skills and better preparing them for the future job market.
On a mental health level, summer vacation can serve as a period of "renewal," according to a 2019 study by a research team at the University of Chicago titled "What Engages Youth in Summer Learning?" The study indicated that summer programs that include outdoor activities help improve young people's mental health and enhance their sense of well-being.
Volunteering and Sports
Encouraging youth to engage in volunteer activities aligns with this direction. A study conducted by the Social Work Research Institute at Princeton University in 2020 found that these activities significantly enhance young people's sense of belonging and social responsibility. Examples include local or international volunteering programs, such as participating in cleaning campaigns, helping those in need, or volunteering in public libraries.
Sports can also be classified as a self-development activity. They are not just a means of entertainment but a lifestyle that promotes physical and mental health, as demonstrated by a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2019.
The study reported that regular physical exercise helps reduce stress levels and improve the mood of young people. Therefore, summer can be an excellent time for engaging in various sports.
Although many Arab countries' ministries of youth adopt sports programs as a summer recreational activity, such as the "Future Champions" program launched by Egypt's Ministry of Youth, many of these programs fail to reach the broader youth sector in those countries. Additionally, the shortage of free or low-cost sports facilities limits their ability to accommodate the millions of young people who represent about one-third of the Arab world's population, according to United Nations statistics.
Travel and Exploration
Travel and trips during the summer can be a great way for young people to broaden their horizons and gain new experiences. A study conducted by the Tourism Research Center at Stanford University in 2021 indicated that travel enhances cultural awareness and opens new doors for self-learning.
The "Saudi Summer" program, launched by the Ministry of Culture in the summer of 2021, is one example of projects encouraging Arab youth to explore cultural heritage and tourist sites. However, enhancing cooperation with travel agencies to offer discounts for youth and organizing educational trips aimed at developing cultural and historical awareness remains insufficient in most Arab countries.
Talent Development
Various forms of art are activities that contribute to the development of the creative aspect of young people. A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles in 2022 showed that engaging in artistic activities enhances creative thinking and the ability to express oneself.
One of the pioneering projects in this regard is the "Sharjah Art Summer" launched by the Sharjah Art Foundation. It includes workshops and training sessions in various art fields, allowing young people to develop their artistic talents.
However, the problem of reaching the broader youth sector still exists. Most of these programs' activities remain elite and do not cover the larger number of talented young people in the Arab world.
Future Planning
Another angle to utilize summer leisure is planning for the future, both academically and professionally. A study conducted by Yale University in 2019 found that young people who use the summer to plan for their academic and career futures achieve greater success in life.
One of the prominent Arab programs in this context is the "Talent Development and Management" program launched by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in the summer of 2021. It aims to provide career and academic guidance to youth through workshops and training courses.
However, such initiatives lack the provision of free career counseling centers and the organization of educational and career fairs that highlight the various options available to youth, reaching a broader segment of them.
Building Relationships
"Social relationships" represent one of the most important areas to direct youth energy during summer vacation. These relationships are a vital part of young people's lives, and summer time can be used to strengthen them. A study published in the Journal of Social Psychology in 2020 showed that strong relationships contribute to improved mental health and reduced feelings of loneliness.
The study recommends organizing meet-ups for youth with friends or joining groups interested in shared activities to strengthen their social bonds.
One of the notable Arab programs in this regard is the "Generations Meeting" program, launched by the Beirut Youth Foundation in the summer of 2022. It aims to strengthen bonds between youth and the elderly through joint activities such as cultural and sports workshops.
However, such initiatives remain limited. Social organizations need to enhance initiatives that bring generations together and provide safe and suitable spaces for these social activities.
Combining volunteer work, sports activities, future planning, and expanding social relationships is the ideal way to utilize the summer season productively and constructively. To achieve the optimal utilization of the summer vacation period, ministries and agencies responsible for youth in the Arab world need to adopt comprehensive and diverse strategies that support skill development and open new horizons for learning and free training outside the academic framework.
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