The consequences of such trends are graver for the future of our children and young people than for any other part of society, as suspicion and indifference not only fuel the spread of prejudice, but have the most disturbing capacity to extinguish a social conscience within our young people.Young teenagers, in particular, are all too often written off by their neighbourhoods as problematic and lacking in respect when, in reality, such young people are unrivalled in their“acute sense of justice, ... eagerness to learn”and their“desire to contribute to ... a better world.”Neighbourhoods must not be left to the paralysis of apathy and anonymity, but must be empowered by their leaders and encouraged to come together in starting their own innovative and sustainable projects for social integration.Youth and voluntary work, after-school initiatives, youth groups, environmental projects, local sports clubs and Sunday schools are some of the countless activities that create the heartbeat of a community and give young people of all backgrounds ownership over their own development...