Youth center 'The New Generation' opens doors in Kerkrade Center
On Thursday, Nov. 14, the new youth center "The New Generation" was officially opened in the center of Kerkrade. The festive opening took place at Einderstraat 21, where young people from Kerkrade together with Alderman René Van Drunen (youth policy) gave the starting signal. 'The New Generation' provides a nice meeting place for young people to relax, develop themselves and become actively involved in their neighborhood.
In cooperation with welfare organization Impuls, the municipality of Kerkrade has set up the youth center as a cozy space for young people, complete with several seating areas, a television, pool table and bar. There is also a separate area where young people can engage in conversation with youth and youth workers.
Besides entertainment, "The New Generation" also offers young people the opportunity to take responsibility. The young people are actively involved in the management and organization of the youth center. In the weeks leading up to the opening, under the guidance of youth and youth workers, they helped with the set-up, coming up with the name, designing the invitations and arranging the decorations for the opening. Through this involvement, they learn valuable skills and experience what it means to be responsible.
Alderman René van Drunen underlines the importance of the youth center: "With the opening of 'The New Generation,' we are investing in our young people. Here they can come together and relax, but also learn to take responsibility and develop further. Young people are Kerkrade's future and play a crucial role in our community. With this place, we want to give them their own voice and provide an environment where they feel heard and seen and where they have the opportunity to contribute to society."
In addition to young people from Kerkrade, local residents are also welcome to stop by "The New Generation" for a cup of coffee, a good conversation or to contribute new ideas for the youth center. With this approachable set-up, the municipality wants to show that young people can play a positive role within the community.
To make the youth center a nice place for everyone, there are rules. Supervisors from youth and youth work are always present during opening hours and street coaches provide additional support. The youth center is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 15:00 to 20:00 and on Saturday from 17:00 to 22:00. On Tuesdays and Sundays, the youth center is closed.