Youth Work integration in the Scandinavia
It is without any doubt that universal change is ongoing and quite fast. In the Scandinavian regions, while this may seem calm and well-structured in line with the culture of this region, the tentacles of globalisation seem to bring a different touch to this process. With specific emphasis on the impact on the youth, the paradigm shift with the proliferation of technology and the propagation of democratic rights to all implies that work integration needs to be addressed in more serious terms than it is today. How well-equipped are the youth to take charge of their lives and hence the society of tomorrow? The need for awareness of one's own responsibility to act sustainably as well as realize that working with an inclusive mindset is a proactive choice rather than a nice act. The Scandinavian workforce needs not only reinforcement, but also sustainability.
Youth out of work
With the advent of technological advances (AI, Bitcoin etc.), certain voices esteem that more and more work opportunities will or already are disappearing. In Scandinavia, this is more real given the example of Sweden, where digitalization is key right to the grassroots, with companies large and small, urban or rural, investing in the latest trends to keep up and maintain their marketplace. For the youth, this means fewer work opportunities. Even more so for youths with lesser understanding of society, maybe due to the fact that they recently arrived in Sweden or are less likely to spend time with people from another class in society. Let it be clear, class distinction is not a husk, it is real. However, it can be overcome and the one who holds that power is the individual who will dare in the face of "seemingly" impossibilities.
Youths may be out of work due to a misguided counseling system in our gymnasiums. The money invested to be used to encourage young people to open their eyes and see the reality of the future needs to be revisited. Democracy is good, yet when it is not properly exercised to benefit society, we are left with young people who have a desire to do good but lack the understanding of how to go about it. The need to get employment must not necessarily imply getting one immediately, but rather making sure that you are well-equipped to face the challenges of our current unstable market economies. The socio-economic wellbeing of Scandinavia, seen through the eyes of youth, ought not to be hopeless but hopeful. Only if the present stakeholders redirect their efforts towards working with realistic goals, such as proactively enacting legislation that largely rewards educational excellence. Let it be clear, education is broad and can be practical as well as theoretical.
Youth ready to hit the ground running.
The need to break the mold in our society in regard to youth's preference for their future occupations needs to be enforced more and more. Hence, the question, how do we get young people, especially those who might have dropped out of school for various reasons or who, because of some social disadvantages, to perceive their self worth as being not only high but even excellent. The International Labor Organization (ILO), esteems that digital labor is one of our times most promising work opportunities for the youth. While this is true, it is equally true that not all youths have opportunities to venture into this field. For some, work is not a desire to be fulfilled but rather a duty to be completed. As such, to be prepared to meet the challenges of the day, young people in vulnerable situations need skills and clarity. They need to be able to package their skills as well as a desire to meet the needs or wants of the labor market. And yes, this might mean constantly improving digital skills, but also imply understanding the value of having a prioritization order. We can't have all we desire or want, but certainly have to strive to get what we need.
One important aspect that young people need is the ability to critically analyze a situation or problem. The mindset of an entrepreneur sees problems as opportunities, not obstacles. It means we work based on flexibility and adaptability as we pursue dreams or create new pathways to attaining our goals. It has to do with not only being a thinker but also possessing the ability to transform thoughts into action that sets the stage for lasting desired results.
Another aspect to consider is constantly seeking to upgrade one's socio-emotional aptitude. We might be living in a digital age, yet the need to communicate as humans and relate to others emotionally still holds preference with most society. Collaboration across lines that maybe cultural, social, interdisciplinary or geographical has not become a necessity. Being open to learning from others who are not like yourself leads to improvement of self.
Entrepreneurship – teach it as a way of life.
Our Scandinavian curricula at diverse levels of education portray a well-thought- through and meaning document with expected outcomes that many will postulate ensures the wellbeing of our society, its cultural heritage and future stability with democratic principles. However, globalization seems to have thrown this portrait out of order. There is now a need to adapt to the needs of immigrants who plan to stay permanently and who are willing to do their best. One needs to give credit to some level to those who draw up such curriculea because they endeavor to reflect the demography of their state.
Nevertheless, to prepare the young to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, the need to develop a mindset that focuses on problem identification and solving is critical. Investments in education need to be such that the individual can personally motivate themselves to seek further training to upskill their current skills. The need to self-produce is important in the lives of immigrant youths, especially as issues relating to discrimination may tend to delay one's growth. Hence, the need for mentorship and entrepreneurial education to foster self-reliance and awareness.
Conclusion
Investing in digital innovations is vital for our present-day market economy, yet ensuring that our youth are empowered and understand the responsibility that comes with such empowerment is critical for the job market now and in the future. Entrepreneurial input needs to be leveraged with motorship that sheds light on equipping young people with the ability and capability to not only meet the challenges of today and tomorrow but overcome these challenges. Working together as young people who esteem that our economy needs to be sustainable and inclusive with the purpose of impacting change through effective living.