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Schwerin (dpa / mv) - The corona pandemic is causing problems for the volunteer fire brigades in the country to work with young people.
"It is really the case that youth work has almost come to a standstill," said the deputy state youth warden Stephan Hagemann of the German press agency.
It is a challenge to maintain the motivation of the children and young people.
"We live from the fact that we can of course offer them things that you don't have," said Hagemann.
For example, working with large vehicles and technology, tent camps or competitions.
This is currently only partially possible or not possible at all.
According to the state fire brigade association, there are around 1,000 volunteer fire brigades in MV.
In 2019 there were more than 600 youth fire brigades with over 8,700 children and young people.
Try to keep in touch with the youngsters from a distance, for example with video conferences or packages that contain tasks that the children and young people can solve at home.
It is also about conveying the feeling: "We will not forget you, we are still there for you," said Hagemann.
It is not yet possible to say whether the pandemic will have a long-term effect on the advancement of young people.
"We have never had a situation like this".
At least the youth could not move to other clubs because of the lockdown.
According to Hagemann, 10 to 18-year-olds take part in the youth fire brigades.
Most of the members went into active service at the age of 16.
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There is also a children's department for 6 to 10-year-olds, which is primarily about playful fire protection education.
The youngest have seen the greatest increases, so that the number of members is stagnating or even increasing overall.
The fire brigades only opened up to children under 10 years ago, which resulted in more offspring.
Before that, when the children were 10, they often had other hobbies, explains Hagemann.
"Our fire brigades only survive through the new generation," said Hagemann.
Over 90 percent of the active colleagues come from the youth sector.
"Whoever is there, stays with it."
Finding adult career changers, however, is more difficult.
According to Hagemann, the youth fire brigades are not only about attracting young people, but also about conveying a sense of community and values such as tolerance.
It is about "that they learn from the beginning that everyone is helped."
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210222-99-538329 / 2