Above all, crisis prevention also means learning from situations that have already been experienced, optimizing processes and preparing for similar developments in the future. This applies not only to companies, but to society as a whole. Everyone must take responsibility. For themselves and for those who cannot do so themselves - this includes above all children.
The war in Ukraine has led the country into an exceptional situation and forced millions of people to flee. In this situation, after the initial shock has been overcome, the first thing that stands acute crisis management in focus. The basic needs must be met: providing a new home, food and clothing, and medical and spiritual care.
But what happens next? How is everyday life organized, how does the start of school and integration into the new environment work?
Digital teaching in wartime
Ukraine has been fighting the Russian invasion for over six weeks and has still managed to keep the education system running digitally. Teachers stand in classrooms in the war zone and teach their students, who are now spread all over Europe. Again and again, sirens sound and teachers have to retreat to shelters. A short time later, the lessons continue.
This not only provides the children with an education, it also gives them a piece of home. The situation is similar at the universities: Even lecturers who are no longer in Ukraine themselves hold digital lectures for students who have found refuge in the most diverse places. One of them is hosted by our WB colleague in southern Germany and can continue his studies from a distance, in his new home. A piece of normality that gives hope.
How well prepared are we in Germany?
By comparison, the situation in Germany, even after two years of pandemic, looks quite different. Schools are still not digitized across the board. Schoolchildren who have to stay at home due to quarantine or illness cannot attend live lessons.
Could we give the children a piece of home and normality if we suddenly found ourselves in a state of war?
Instead of waiting or hoping that everything will "normalize" and that a pandemic will not be repeated or that a state of war will not break out in the first place, it is necessary to deal with current and future possible developments. Adopt the experiences of other countries, communities and also companies and thus actively integrate crisis prevention into your own development.
A comment from Annemarie Wrobel.
