Children's Council

The municipality of Kerkrade considers it extremely important to hear the voice of children. That is why we have a children's council, which represents all children in our municipality. This council consists of enthusiastic group 7 pupils from elementary school that are part of the MOVARE educational foundation in Kerkrade. The chairman of the children's council is the children's mayor. Together they think and discuss topics that are of real importance to children. This is how we ensure that even the youngest inhabitants have a voice in what happens in their town!

Children's Council

Since 2020, Kerkrade has had its own Children's Council, in which children have a say in municipal policy. This council consists of grade 7 and 8 pupils from elementary school that fall under the MOVARE educational foundation, and represents the voice of all children in the town. The children's council members meet about six times a year under the leadership of the children's mayor, who acts as chairman. During the meetings, the children discuss issues that are especially relevant to their age group, with an emphasis on issues that directly affect children up to age 12. In addition, the council sometimes asks for their opinions on other policy issues.

The Children's Council initiative is a collaboration between the municipality of Kerkrade and the MOVARE educational foundation. By actively involving children in policymaking, they gain an interest in politics at an early age and the town council learns what is going on among this target group.

At the installation of a new Children's Council, each member takes the oath of office in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The mayor calls the children forward one by one for this official moment. In this way, the involvement of youth in local politics is highlighted in a festive way.

Children's Mayor

The children's mayor is not only the chairman of the Children's Council, but also fulfills an important representative and ceremonial role. As an ambassador of the children, the children's mayor accompanies the mayor at various events such as King's Day, Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. During these occasions, the children's mayor sometimes gives short speeches on behalf of the children of Kerkrade.

Chain of office

Like the mayor, the children's mayor also has his own chain of office. This special chain consists of 13 wooden links, symbolizing something that is still under development. The links are connected by metal elements. The chain was designed by art teacher Ghislaine Ortmans.

Topics

Prior to the council meetings, topics are discussed with the officials. The children have written down some talking points in advance and passed them on to the officials. They support the process and guide the children's council members. After each council meeting, the topics discussed are worked out by the officials. If necessary, the school is also involved. Examples of topics discussed by the children's council are: litter, bullying, poverty, nature and traffic safety around schools.

Prior to the council meetings, the children's council members are given the opportunity to discuss their ideas with the officials. The children prepare some key talking points in advance and share them with the officials, who support and guide them during the process.

After each meeting, the issues discussed are further developed by the officials. If necessary, the school is also involved to work together on solutions. Topics addressed by the children's council include litter, bullying, poverty, nature and traffic safety around schools. This way the children make a real impact and their voices and ideas are taken seriously!