Youth Policy in Tempelhof-Schöneberg: Focus on Infrastructure and Participation

Youth Policy in Tempelhof-Schöneberg: Infrastructure and Participation as Key Elements

In a time when young people increasingly demand influence over their living environments, local youth policy plays a crucial role. In April 2026, the district of Tempelhof-Schöneberg focused on two central aspects of youth policy: infrastructure and participation. Both topics were in the spotlight at the 46th public meeting of the Youth Welfare Committee on April 29, 2026.

Construction and Renovation: Investing in the Future

A central theme of the meeting was the discussion on construction and renovation projects at youth facilities. In Tempelhof-Schöneberg, the infrastructure for youth activities has grown significantly in recent years, but many spaces have become outdated and no longer meet current requirements. The renovation of these facilities is therefore not only a matter of safety, but also of attractiveness and accessibility for young people.

Concrete projects were presented during the meeting, including the expansion of a youth center in Mariendorf and the renovation of a youth counseling center in Schöneberg. These measures are part of a broader strategy that was anchored in the district's youth promotion plan in 2023. The goal is to comprehensively renovate or construct at least 10 percent of youth facilities by 2028.

The discussion also revealed financial limitations: funds are limited and priorities must be set. In addition, the projects often face construction competition, for example with municipal school or kindergarten building projects. Nevertheless, the Youth Welfare Committee confirmed the necessity of long-term investments in physical infrastructure to ensure the future viability of youth work.

Participation: Youth as Actors in the District

Another central topic of the meeting was the report from the Children's and Youth Parliament (KJP). The KJP is a forum in which young people aged 12 and over are actively involved in political decision-making processes. The report showed that participation rates have increased this year, especially on topics such as digitization in youth work, anti-discrimination, and climate protection.

For example, the young people advocated for more digital offers, such as online seminars or virtual exchange platforms, to reach those young people who cannot attend meetings in person. In addition, they demanded that diversity work in youth welfare be expanded – a demand that was reflected in the committee's discussion.

The meeting emphasized that participation is not only a form of involvement but also an instrument for strengthening democratic education. Young people who engage in decision-making processes develop a better understanding of politics and society – and at the same time ensure that youth policy takes young perspectives into account.

Tensions and Future Perspectives

The discussions in the meeting also revealed tension fields that are common in youth policy: on the one hand, the pressure on the funding of renovation measures, and on the other hand, the expectations regarding participation, which do not always match the actual level of involvement. In addition, the question remains as to how to involve youth spokespersons in decision-making processes without overburdening them.

In the future, the district plans to conduct an evaluation of participation formats to determine which models are most effective. In addition, it is planned to establish a Youth Policy Platform, which will serve as a central point of contact for young people and institutions.

Conclusion: Youth Policy as an Investment in Society

The April meeting of the Youth Welfare Committee in Tempelhof-Schöneberg shows that youth policy is not only a matter of budgets and construction plans, but also a learning process – for politics as well as for the young people themselves. The investment in renovation measures and participation formats is an investment in the future of the district. Only when young people are included in their living environments can an inclusive and livable city be created.