希腊的失业青年为自己的未来奋斗

Greece's economic and job crisis has disproportionately affected the young, as millions of Greeks spend the most productive years of their lives alternating between long periods of unemployment and looking for just any job. Filio Kontrafouri reports from Athens, on how Greece's economic reality has affected the lives of young Greeks.

She began drawing at 4 and dreamed that one day she would make a living out of doing what she loves. But even the degree in interior architecture design she got last year hasn’t gotten Vivian very far. Jobs of any kind she says are scant. Still, she refuses to give up.

"I tell people, since you can buy the furniture, I will work for free, just give me a recommendation. I do that. But I cannot do it for long. After the sixth job I’ll stop. Now I’ve already done three." Unemployed interior architect Vivian Stergiopoulou said.

Greece has become a hard place for the young. They are well-educated and active. But more than half of those up to the age of 24 continue to be without a job --the highest number across Europe. Many have to compromise between their aspirations and financial needs when they see that for everyone, job hunting in Greece has become a battle for survival.

Young Greeks up to the age of 24 are completely deadlocked. Fresh out of school or college, they face fierce competition even for entry-level jobs by older, more experienced and more skilled Greeks.

"People have lowered their expectations so much that even if we wanted to find a job, with this pessimism that has crushed us, we cannot. So we are stuck with the idea of going abroad and find a job there." School student Dominiki said.

But not everyone is so pessimistic.

"Young people, because of the crisis are in a situation where external factors immobilize them but maybe, in a small way, they have some responsibility. Maybe it is a matter of education, we have to learn that it’s us who set our goals, make our fate. It’s there, as long as you can see it." Photography student Giorgos said.

Minimum wage for those under 25 is now set at 500 euros a month. Many work for a lot less. Government initiatives to battle youth unemployment have yet to turn the tide. And the majority of young Greeks are coping thanks to one thing: family networks.

"People my age, including myself, live with our parents. They support us, they feed us, they care for us, things that up to a point are necessary in our age. And now that’s even more important because the minute you walk out the door, you have so much to deal with that you need to have your refuge." Unemployed interior architect Vivian Stergiopoulou said.

The refuge that Vivian says she’ll be probably needing for some time to come.