Young Hanauer shape their future: democracy in action!

Young Hanauer shape their future: democracy in action!

Around 70 students: Inside from the 10th grade of three Hanau schools came together in the Elisabeth-Selbert hall of the Neustädter town hall to discuss the future of their city. The event entitled "Democracy in action-your voice for Hanau" was organized by the Kathinka-Platzhoff Foundation (KPS) and the House for Democracy & Diversity. Mayor Claus Kaminsky (SPD) listened carefully to the young voices and asked them to express their ideas and wishes that he wanted to carry in urban bodies. He referred to the city's existing financial restrictions, which do not always make it easy to implement all the suggestions. Nevertheless, it is a step in the right direction to involve young people in urban development processes, as well as ahead of online emphasized.

What is really important for the young people? More space for encounters and strengthening social interaction were their central concerns. Among other things, they want residence locations without consumption compulsion, inexpensive youth cafes and finally a hall for sports, leisure or festivals. Security and topics related to drug use were also on the agenda of the discussion. Kaminsky promised that existing halls and rooms could be better used.

urban development dialogue with politicians

This attentiveness to the needs of the young people fits the initiative of the city of Hanau to actively hear their opinions and to involve urban development. As part of the dialogue, which took place on June 12, around 90 young people had their say in the Neustädter town hall. Here they met with Mayor Dr. Maximilian Bieri (SPD) and city councilor Isabell Hemsley (CDU). The need for places of encounter, movement and participation was discussed in order to promote social cohesion in Hanau. Interactive workshops and lectures on democracy and how it works complemented the program and raised awareness of the importance of one's own voice in urban planning, such as ffh.

Events such as this link to the Rheingold study on the life situation in Hanau and show that there is a need for action. The integration of young people into decision -making processes is a challenge, especially when it comes to urban planning. Often there is a lack of clear interfaces and effective participation. The research field "Young people in the city district" has therefore specialized in developing innovative concepts for the involvement of young people in order to research their demands on youth locations, as in [BBSR] (https://www.bbsr.bund.de/bbsr/de/forschung/Programm/exwost/forschungfelder/2009/jugendlichlicheimstadtquartier/jugendbeitigung/04_modellfroache_b.html) is shown.

new ways of participation

The goal of actively involving young people in urban design also seems to be more and more focused on urban politics. Projects such as "Stadtwandel.digital" try to develop innovative approaches to recreational leisure and thus offer another space for the participation of young people. A conscious and modern approach to urban development can help Hanau become an even more livable place for all citizens: inside. A good knack for the design of these processes is required to take into account the wishes and concerns of the young generation.

The events show that offers for young people and their participation not only enrich the city, but also strengthen democratic culture. Hanau is on the right track and it remains exciting to see how the future -oriented ideas of young people will implement in urban development.