Youth Policy in Biesenthal: Focus on the Youth Centre Creatimus

Youth Centre Creatimus: The Cornerstone of Youth Policy in Biesenthal

The future of a city heavily depends on the support it provides to its youth. In Biesenthal, the youth centre "Creatimus" in Rüdnitz is a central hub for young people. March 2026 provided an opportunity to evaluate the youth centre's work – and at the same time, to raise the question of how youth policy is specifically designed in rural areas.

Structure and Function of the Youth Centre

Creatimus is an offer by the social and cultural space in Biesenthal, explicitly targeting young people aged 12 to 27. It provides a safe and open space for social interaction, creativity, and education. In March 2026, a report on the youth centre's work was presented to the Culture and Social Committee, reviewing figures and activities from the previous year.

The report showed that the youth centre offered an average of 30 to 40 young people per week over the past twelve months. Offers range from open meetings and cooking evenings to creative workshops, as well as thematic projects such as environmental education and media literacy. Particularly noteworthy is the partnership cooperation with local schools and associations, which contributed to the stability of the offer.

Challenges in Rural Youth Work

Despite the positive developments, work in rural areas such as Biesenthal is not without difficulties. A central point in the report was the fluctuation of the young target group – particularly due to migration to urban regions. In addition, the funding of the youth centre remains dependent on grants, which are not always stable. While the municipality does invest in the structure, long-term planning security is often a problem.

Another topic was the adaptation of offers to the digital lifestyles of young people. While analogue formats such as cooking or crafting remain popular, the demand for digital workshops is growing, particularly in the areas of media literacy and online presence. The youth centre has taken first steps in this direction, but sees a need for action, especially in terms of equipment and the qualifications of staff.

Future Perspectives: Youth Policy as an Investment in the City

The Culture and Social Committee discussed not only the balance sheet but also future perspectives. A central proposal was the establishment of a youth council that could directly bring the interests of the young population into political decision-making processes. In addition, it was discussed how the youth centre could be more strongly integrated into urban planning – for example, by participating in cultural or leisure projects.

The debate made it clear: youth policy is not a side issue, but a central building block for Biesenthal's future viability. The youth centre Creatimus is a concrete example of how investments in young people can pay off in the long term – in the form of social stability, creative potential, and economic development.

Outlook: From Structure to Substance

In April 2026, the focus will be on how the results of the report can be translated into concrete measures. The municipality has a crucial role here – not only financially, but also through a political stance. The work in the youth centre shows that it is possible to run a lively, inclusive youth work environment despite rural conditions. The challenge now is to secure and further develop this work sustainably.