It is not the first warning that young adults are being affected. Photo Shane/Unsplash The government must take action to safeguard a hopeful future for the next generation, fourteen leading advisory councils to the government, among whom the SER (Socioeconomic Council) warn.
The councils underscore that making the voices of the younger generation heard in The Hague is long overdue. ‘Young adults are resilient and ready to take responsibility, but that means they must be entrusted with that responsibility.’ The councils handed the government a ‘collection of inspiring articles’, calling on policymakers to collaborate more with young people.
In response to the publication, vice-president of youth union FNV Young & United Marinus Jongman stated that too little is done for youngsters, ‘despite the government’s promises.’ He adds: ‘If this report does not wake them up, they simply don’t want to address the issues.’
Performance pressure
The advisory councils also pinpoint bottlenecks in higher education. ‘With its focus on grades, performance and degrees, higher education has become a stressful environment for young adults. They must run faster to maintain their position. This really needs to change’, the collection of articles states.
The ‘testing culture’ does more damage than good, the councils state. High grades are very important because potential employers base their selection of masters graduates on their grades. ‘As a result, students study to obtain high grades (ergo: cramming) and not to truly understand the subject matter.’
Moreover, youngsters suffer from the pressure they feel about selecting the correct study domain. Particularly as switching may result in thousands of euros in additional student debt.
Although the basic student grant will be reinstated in 2023, this ‘does not solve everything.’, The councils warn the government that student incomes are still too low, particularly in light of the skyrocketing rents and high levels of inflation.’ This makes students’ expected future earnings a key issue in selecting a study domain rather than their intrinsic motivation.
Equal opportunities
There is also much still to be desired regarding equal opportunities. First-generation students (of whom neither parent received a higher education), students with non-western roots, and secondary vocational education of a disability experience ‘obstructions’ in higher education or the road towards it.
The accessibility of education has declined in recent years. The councils write because the education budget has not increased equally with the rising student numbers. ‘Thus, many students are denied the attention and support they deserve.’
