As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Young Christian Worker (YCW) movement, the world faces a youth employment crisis that demands urgent attention. On Tuesday, 11 March 2025, at 7:00 PM AEDT, the Australian Cardijn Institute will host a significant event reflecting on the impact of Joseph Cardijn, Pope Pius XI, and the YCW, particularly in light of today’s global challenges.
The 2024 Global Employment Trends for Youth (GET Youth 2024) report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) paints a concerning picture:
- 20.4% of young people worldwide are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), with two-thirds of them being women.
- The rise of precarious, informal, and insecure work continues, especially in low-income nations where only 1 in 5 young adult workers has a stable, paid job.
- Youth unemployment rates remain critically high in regions like North Africa and the Arab States, while in sub-Saharan Africa, three in four young workers lack secure employment.
- The growing “casualisation of labour” leaves young workers in a cycle of uncertainty, impacting their economic security, well-being, and future prospects.
Why the YCW’s Mission Still Matters
Founded in 1925 by Joseph Cardijn, the Young Christian Workers movement was a bold response to the exploitation of young workers in factories, farms, and offices. Inspired by Pope Pius XI’s 1931 encyclical Quadragesimo Anno, which called for social justice and workers’ rights, the YCW empowered young people to “See, Judge, Act”—a method that remains crucial in today’s struggle for dignity in work.
Fast forward to 2025, and Cardijn’s vision is as urgent as ever. The state of young workers today mirrors many of the injustices of a century ago:
- Economic insecurity caused by informal work and job instability.
- Educational mismatches, with many young workers unable to find employment that aligns with their skills.
- Gender inequality, where young women disproportionately bear the burden of unemployment and lack of opportunity.
At the upcoming Cardijn and YCW Centennial event, we will revisit the historical roots of the movement while exploring how Cardijn’s vision can shape our response to the modern employment crisis. This is not just a historical commemoration—it is a call to action.
Join the Conversation
We invite activists, scholars, church leaders, and young workers to be part of this discussion. How can the Church and society support young people in securing decent, meaningful work? How can the See, Judge, Act method be applied to today’s youth employment challenges?
Event Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Time: 7:00 PM AEDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
More Information & Registration: Australian Cardijn Institute
Let’s work together to ensure Cardijn’s vision for young workers is not just a legacy but a living mission.