Clemens is a 13 year old young person from Lana in South Tyrol (Italy). He often spends his free time in the youth centre Jux in Lana. In March 2020, pause was pressed. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic not only schools, but also youth centers were temporarily closed. For regular visitors of youth centres an important part of their social life just vanished and youth workers had to pose themselves the question how to accompany young people through those times and still do youth work. Alternatives had to be developed and thus a digital meeting point was created. Three times a week the virtual meeting point opens its doors in the form of a video group chat and offers space for talks, answers and spending time together.

Is the current offer a satisfactory alternative to the youth center for you?

I think the current offer is a very good alternative as it offers communication and entertainment. I think the implementation is suitable and sufficient. But it is of course not a comparison to the youth center itself. Since there are many more possible activities in the youth center and you can chill there in peace. The difference is big. I personally think that the online meeting point turned out quite well.

Does it need an online youth center at all, in the current situation in which we find ourselves?

I don’t think it is needed as such, but it is a welcome diversion in the current situation. So, I can at least forget about the quarantine a little bit and settle down in one place and chill.