Festive opening youth spot Kjoep Kerkrade-West
On Friday, Oct. 7, the Kjoep, the new meeting place for young people, was festively opened in Kerkrade-West. Youth from the neighborhood and local residents gathered behind the Schoolstraat parking lot. A food truck was present during the opening, providing snacks and drinks. Aldermen René van Drunen and John Roland were also present at the opening.
The Kjoep gives young people a place of their own
There are few places in Kerkrade municipality where young people can gather. That is why the municipality has started talks with young people from Kerkrade-West about a meeting place. Alderman René van Drunen (Youth Care and Youth Policy): "It is important that young people have their own recognizable place. Here they can build more social contacts." For this reason, the Kjoep was placed. The Kjoep is a cube measuring 2.2 x 2.2 x 2.2 meters that is easy to move.
Rules of play
The young people have indicated that they themselves would like to help keep the Kjoep clean and well maintained. Therefore, together with the municipality, they have drawn up a board with rules. This board will be unveiled during the opening.
The young people also see a role for themselves in the neighborhood. For example, they like to chat with residents. They have also helped a neighbor with groceries and assisted with CPR.