As a result of corona, we are experiencing major economic and social changes. Small and large companies are collapsing, employees are losing their jobs, we have to make do with less. A question that is important to discuss with each other, especially now that we are in the lock-down period, is: How do we help young people in this corona period?
Young people cannot gain experience
Young people can no longer learn in the way they used to and miss out on social activities such as chilling out with friends, going to concerts and shopping. It is precisely through the social contacts and activities where they meet many others and do something together that they develop social skills such as cooperation, good communication, networking and leadership. Gaining practical experience during an internship or a part-time job is also often impossible nowadays. While these experiences lead to the development of competencies such as the ability to analyse, solve problems and learn to think creatively.
Competence development of young people is important for companies
The competencies mentioned are almost all in the top 10 lists of important competencies for this century. Many companies and organizations need employees who are good at this because of current and future developments. So what consequences will this have for our young people and for companies in the future?
Who am I and what do I want in the future?
When the world around us changes, it also makes us think about ourselves. What is really important to us, what choices do we make, what opportunities do we have to move forward, what do we want to do in the future? For many young people it is difficult to answer these questions, because they have not yet had much (life) experience. At the moment, they can hardly get those experiences, while it is so important. Through the things you experience in life; experiences, events and adventures, you develop yourself and get a picture of who you are and what suits you.
Core Values Game
We have been thinking about how we can help young people with this in these difficult times. This has led us to develop a Core Values Game. In these times, when our social lives are practically at a standstill, it is important to connect with each other. The lives of adults and young people today consist largely of online work and online school. That's why personal contact at home is so important right now. Not just sitting behind a screen, but having conversations with each other to share what moves you and what you really find important.
The Core Values Game is for young and old, from 12 years of age and leads to connection, fun and valuable conversations in families, groups of friends, with classmates and with colleagues. For more information, please click here.
How do you help young people in this difficult time?
We are curious to know how others are helping young people in these times. What are large companies, organizations and SME entrepreneurs doing for young people right now? By sharing ideas and experiences, we can inspire each other.