“Youth engagement for global action” sounds like a mighty mission. Yet that is the theme that the UN has chosen for International Youth Day 2020.
This is a day to celebrate the initiative, enterprise, energy and creativity of young people. It’s a day for young people to explore possibilities - at local, national and international levels. And it’s a time for the rest of us to explore how we can support them in doing so.
The world community faces its greatest challenge in generations. Young people will be profoundly impacted by the health, economic and social effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet they are often in the forefront of efforts to build connections, spread kindness and share their talents.*
We asked some students how they are meeting the challenges of Covid-19. Exercise, walks, connecting with family, study and hobbies such as baking, are helping them to keep motivated and active. They could see positive benefits of lockdown too. They enjoy more time together as a family, watching movies together on a Saturday night, exercising together and having fun times such as quizzes and fancy dress with friends over video chat apps.
One student said she particularly enjoys being part of a school group knitting blankets for people who are sleeping rough - ‘In this time of isolation it’s nice to feel a part of something’.
Image: Liam, CatholicCare counselling client.
Our work at CatholicCare brings us into contact with young people from all backgrounds who are overcoming extreme adversity.
We have stories of young refugees who go beyond just making a new life for themselves in Australia, to actively contributing to the community and helping others.
We see young people who are navigating the challenges of anxiety and other mental health issues, and overcoming these barriers.
And there are young people who have experienced trauma and broken relationships, and who want to use their knowledge and experience help others through similar issues, just like Liam**.
Liam was 16 years old when he made a call to the police to report domestic violence. He saved his mother’s life, but what he witnessed affected him greatly. The trauma he was dealing with had effect on his schooling, too. But life started to look up once he began talking to one of CatholicCare’s counsellors.
Liam worked hard to improve his grades and focus on his education, and as it came time for Liam to choose his Year 11 elective subjects, he decided to study psychology - with the hope of understanding and eventually helping other families like his own.
'I want to know why people act the way they do. I’d be good at helping others because I can put myself in their shoes,' Liam told his counsellor.
It is this type of initiative, this passion, and courage that we want to celebrate today on International Youth Day.
At CatholicCare we are dedicated to supporting young people to build from their own strengths and resources, and that of their families and other close relationships.
If you know a young person who needs support with the challenges they face, please let them know that help is available. Take this day to reach out to young people in your own life, check in with them and ask them what you can do to support their goals and ambitions.
There is much to celebrate on International Youth Day on August 12. Look for, and share within your own networks, the stories of the enterprise and creativity of young people. And share them with us by emailing communityengagement@ccam.org.au
We wish you a happy celebration of International Youth Day!
Jeff Wild, Community Engagement Coordinator
* For more great stories of young people taking initiatives put these in your search engine:
- Outbreak of Generosity
- Life Vest Inside
Read more:
** At CatholicCare, we respect everyone who comes to us for help - and many are working towards a fresh start in life. So while the stories are true, client names and images may have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding.