Five years ago, the coronavirus hit humanity. In many European countries, governments tried to contain the spread of the virus with lockdowns, contact restrictions and social distancing. These significant restrictions left a deep mark, especially on children and young people, which continues to influence their mental health and their professional and social opportunities to this day.
A European symposium at the Nell-Breuning-Haus was dedicated to this pressing topic. Dr. Johanna Wilmes from the Goethe University Frankfurt made it clear that three years of a low-contact and digitally distant life are an eternity from the perspective of young people. Experiencing this phase, intensified by further crises such as war and inflation, leaves behind an attitude to life that is often characterised by insecurity, exhaustion and helplessness. Many young people look to the future with scepticism because they feel they have not been heard. Their social infrastructure has been neglected for a long time, which is now having far-reaching consequences.
These consequences are now also being felt in the world of work. In-depth discussions with the works council of the Aachen-based company Zentis, the social employment project AMOTIMA and the Christian Workers Youth (CAJ) showed that not only are there technical deficits, but also an increase in psychosocial problems such as shyness and a lack of resilience. In addition, the motivation to commit to condensed full-time jobs is waning, as many young people value a healthy work-life balance.
For young people in precarious circumstances, the situation is even more drastic. The pandemic has further worsened their already limited future prospects for social and professional participation. It is therefore all the more important to consider alternative models, in particular a qualified second labour market beyond regular employment. The transition from school to work must be better supported – not only when leaving school, but also during vocational training, with social work, solidarity and pastoral support.
A broad organising committee brings a wide range of perspectives
The European symposium was supported by a broad network of organisers. The gépo (‘groupe européen de la pastorale ouvrière’) network of company chaplaincies was responsible for the event, in cooperation with the company chaplaincy of the Diocese of Aachen and the Nell-Breuning-Haus. In addition, we were involved as the European Centre for Workers' Questions (EZA), along with several of our member organisations, which meant that a wide range of perspectives were brought into the discussion.
The symposium made it very clear that the social and professional consequences of the coronavirus pandemic for young people must not only be recognised, but actively addressed. The results of the event underscore the urgent need for action at the political and societal level to enable a more promising future for the younger generations.