Germany – #DreamOn: Young People and the Corona Crisis - Hopes and wishes from all over the world

12 August 2020

(ANS – Bonn) – How is the Corona crisis affecting young people in the world? This is the main question of the Social Media campaign #DreamOn. The campaign was brought to life by Don Bosco Mission Bonn on the occasion of the International Youth Day on August 12th. More than 150 young people from 25 different countries took part. We received photos and statements for example from Brasil, Chile, India, South Korea, Tanzania, the Philippines and Vietnam: Messages of hope but also concerns about the future of the young people. The project could be realized thanks to the support of the corona coordinator, Fr. M C George.

Turning point in life

For many teenagers the closing of schools is problematic. Their graduations had to be postponed, the graduation parties were cancelled. Starting an internship was impossible and many have even lost their jobs. Corona hits young people at a crucial turning point in their lives: the start into their job life. Many young people use the crisis to find out what is important in their lives. And the majority of the messages portray hopeful dreams for the future, where they would like to do more for others, intensify their activities in the Salesian Youth Movement, communicate better at home and be a “good christian and upright citizen”.

Solidarity in the crisis

Young people also show solidarity with those especially affected by the crisis. “As soon as the pandemic is over I want to pursue my plans and help people who live on the streets. Even if they are almost invisible and socially excluded from society, they are the ones who are mainly affected by the situation”, emphasizes 19-year-old Tomás from Chile.

Participation of young people

“Even in times of social distancing and quarantine it’s very important to make young peoples voices heard. We need to give them support through community and we need to listen to them”, says Dr. Nelson Penedo, managing Director of Don Bosco Mission Bonn. “Young people want to be heard in times of crisis”.The statements will all be published on the Facebook channel of Don Bosco Mission Bonn over the next few months. There is also a website in German and English. Don Bosco Mission Bonn thanks the provinces and young people who participated in this campaign: #DreamOn!

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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