Democracy to touch: Children experience local politics up close!

Democracy to touch: Children experience local politics up close!

Erlangen, Deutschland - On July 4, around 40 class representatives of the fourth class of five elementary elementary schools experienced an exciting day in the town hall. All schools were invited to discover the local political processes in a child -friendly manner. Mayor Florian Janik welcomed the young guests warmly and introduced himself and his tasks. This event was part of an initiative to encourage pupils to actively deal with their city and ask questions about local politics. The teachers were also part of the party and supported the children to develop their questions about topics that they really interest.

This was how questions came up with questions about working hours, leisure activities, the urban budget and the future of Erlangen. The children also addressed current concerns, such as the redesign of break stations or the use of football pitches. The discussion about the free use of public transport for students was particularly remarkable. The topics that the children brought up testified to a high degree of commitment and an understandable desire to improve the quality of life in their city.

simulated city council meeting

The highlight of the day was a simulated city council meeting, which was moderated by Mayor Janik. Here the topic of the session - the selection of a photo for the city's summer homepage - was creatively staged. There were three photo suggestions for discussion and the children were allowed to vote by hand signal. The result of this lively debate is published on the urban website during the holidays. This practical experience should show the pupils how decisions in local politics can come about and how even their voices can be heard.

The event is part of a larger plan to promote the interest of the youth of political participation. The model for this comes from a business game to local politics, which was carried out between the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Erlangen City Council. Pupils also formed factions and dealt with topics such as the future development of the neighborhood or the prices for public transport. This type of projects shows that the city administration takes the concerns of young people seriously and meet them at eye level.

The importance of commitment

The children in Erlangen gave this initiative the opportunity to join the city directly with their questions and ideas. Whether it is about the lack of passing blocks in front of schools, dilapidated football pitches or cleanliness on construction sites - their opinions heard, and the mayor encouraged them to address their wishes directly to the town hall or to the city council members. So the foundation stone is laid for a new generation that is not afraid to join the political discussion and actively shape the future of its city.

These events are part of a continuous Engagement to actively involve the youth in the urban design processes, as also confirms the CEG Erlangen. Here, political knowledge is conveyed in a playful way to give young people the feeling that their opinions and ideas count - and this is of crucial importance in today's world.