At home at the city hall
Who
Youth Office – City of Ghent
Why
Primordial to the project "At Home at the City Hall" are the right of say and participation. The cooperation with the various schools is one of the strengths of the project. Moreover, the participation of classes ensures that the voice of a diverse group of children is heard. By receiving classes on a weekly basis a constant input of signals from the children themselves is insured, making the city constantly keep abreast with the target audience of Ghent children between 10 and 12 years.
What
Politics, policy and administration are terms that at first sight only belong in the world of adults. Yet children have an interest in knowing how their city is run. More importantly, they realize that they themselves have a voice in this policy.
Because of the "At Home at the City Hall" ("Thuis in 't Stadhuis") project these issues are no longer a far-from-my-bed-show. By means of the project, students from the third grade of the primary schools in Ghent (10-12 years) get to know the actions of the City Council. In addition, the students have the opportunity to pass on their own proposals and ideas to create a more child-friendly Ghent.
An information bundle with accompanying photographic material offer teachers a number of handles. Students can test the material in the City Hall after completion of the process in the classroom. By informing children thoroughly, they can make specific proposals in a thoughtful way to the city council. The proposal that the class has chosen will be answered.
Children can put forwards questions which serve as incentives and provide ideas on which the City can build. Children sent in many proposals, in the 10 years of the "At Home at the City Hall" project, on themes as: playgrounds, green and nature, the environment, mobility and traffic, leisure, sport, public space and environment, culture...
The Youth Service Center will ensure that all proposals will be forwarded to the responsible city services and organizations. All proposals will be compiled annually and communicated to the competent aldermen and district directors.
How
There is an open call to all schools in Ghent. The schools are received in the town hall, receive a guided tour, and the students play an educational game. Afterwards, the children can present their proposals to make Ghent more child-friendly. The proposals are prepared and chosen in advance in the classroom.
Effect/Assessment
Children can put forwards questions which serve as incentives and provide ideas on which the City can build. Children sended in many proposals, in the 10 years of the "At Home at the City Hall" project, on themes as: playgrounds, green and nature, the environment, mobility and traffic, leisure, sport, public space and environment, culture...
When
Every Thursday (except holidays) since 2008.
Resources
Information bundle and photo bundle.