The local government of Bonheiden places great emphasis on consultation and participation, including for its youngest residents. Through the Children's Municipal Council, children and young people are closely involved in what is happening in the municipality. The council meets five times a year, giving young members the space to propose their own agenda items. They autonomously decide which themes they consider important and on which topics they wish to provide advice to the adult municipal council.
Learning, Listening, and Deciding Together
The Children's Municipal Council is more than just a forum for sharing ideas; it is also a place where children develop important skills. They learn to listen to each other, respectfully handle differing opinions, and think together about solutions. Furthermore, they gain the opportunity to master meeting techniques and articulate their ideas clearly for an audience.
The Children's Municipal Council is more than just a forum for sharing ideas; it is also a place where children develop important skills. They learn to listen to each other, respectfully handle differing opinions, and think together about solutions. Furthermore, they gain the opportunity to master meeting techniques and articulate their ideas clearly for an audience.
By bringing forward their own topics, exchanging viewpoints, and formulating advice, the young council members experience how participation and democracy work in practice. They discover that their opinions matter, but also that making decisions together requires consultation, respect, and cooperation.
