"Youth Office celebrates first day of active involvement, highlighting the number of words exchanged"
In the heart of Duisburg, the town hall played host to an innovative event last year, as the youth office organised a participation day for local children and young people. The event, which served as a pilot project, aimed to create participation opportunities outside of the traditional case management meetings.
Over 48 young participants, aged between 12 and 21, took part in the day-long event, which featured three workshops: children's rights, case management, and feedback and suggestion opportunities at the youth office Duisburg. The workshops were carefully prepared by the youth office in collaboration with representatives of free providers for a year.
Twelve dedicated individuals developed the concept and content of the event, ensuring it was engaging and informative for the young participants. Open discussions were encouraged throughout the day, with the organisers there to listen to the young people's thoughts and ideas.
The acting head of the youth office, Philipp Thelen, expressed two wishes to the young people: they should dare to honestly say what they think, even if it's critical, and they should realise that their opinion matters. This open and encouraging atmosphere was well-received, with one participant praising the event, saying, "It was really cool that the youth office did something like this."
In addition to the workshops, the day provided space for interaction over pizza and drinks, allowing the young participants to not only learn but also make new contacts. The event was also supported by 20 pedagogical specialists from 14 Duisburg-based providers of outpatient, day-care, and inpatient youth welfare services.
The day was a resounding success, with 15 young professionals expressing their willingness to work together with the youth office as experts of their living environment in the future. Both sides learned from each other during the event, as the organisers listened to the young people's ideas and the young people gained a better understanding of the workings of the youth office.
The youth office has announced that they will be holding another participation day in 2026, continuing their commitment to involving young people in shaping their own futures. The goal of these events is to break down barriers and facilitate an exchange on an equal level, ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued in Duisburg.
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