Cottbus Sets the Pace for Youth Policy in March 2026

Youth Policy in Cottbus: March 2026 as a Key Month

Youth policy is a central issue in Cottbus, increasingly embedded in urban development and social work. In March 2026, several sessions and initiatives were in the focus, emphasizing the importance of youth participation, mental health, and educational innovation. The city not only made structural decisions but also engaged in direct dialogues with young people and experts.

Focus: Mental Health and Poverty

The topic “Poverty and Mental Health” was at the center of debates, particularly during the special session of the Youth Council on March 17, 2026. Guest speakers such as Stephanie Nowak, Lexa Steininger, and Jan Hussels provided a broad framework for addressing societal challenges. The participation of young people in this discussion was not symbolic, but a strategic step to actively integrate their perspectives into policy.

In addition, mental health was a central topic in the regular Youth Council meeting on March 5, 2026. Ideas and projects aimed at providing better support and resources for young people in Cottbus were explored. This signals that mental health is no longer a marginal issue in youth policy, but a key focus.

Structural Changes in Youth Welfare

Another focus was the appointment and reappointment of subcommittee members in the Youth Welfare Committee. Following the withdrawal of members like Ms. Robel and Mr. Wittich, a by-election was held during the meeting on March 3, 2026 to ensure the functionality of the committees. These changes show how sensitive the city is to personnel shortages while maintaining the democratic structure of youth welfare.

The partial planning of school social work was another central topic discussed both in the Youth Welfare Committee and the Youth Welfare Planning Subcommittee. The focus was not only on concrete working models, but also on how this work can be linked to other educational approaches such as Positive Education.

Innovation in Education: PERMA.teach

On March 16, 2026, a session of the Youth Welfare Planning Subcommittee took place, in which the program “PERMA.teach” was presented. This program aims to strengthen positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement (PERMA) in educational work from kindergarten to senior high school. It is an example of how Cottbus not only relies on traditional models but also integrates innovative approaches into the educational landscape.

Outlook: What Comes After March?

The discussions and decisions in March 2026 show that Cottbus is on the right track in understanding youth policy as a central building block of urban development. The planned impact analysis and the expert session “Impact” on May 20, 2026 will show whether the initiatives are taking hold in practice and whether they have a lasting effect. In addition, youth participation remains a central factor that must be monitored in the coming months.