Stralsund is Investing in Youth Participation – The Youth and Leisure Committee in Focus

Youth Participation in Stralsund: A Step into the Future

In the Hanseatic City of Stralsund, the political participation of young people is a central issue. The Youth and Leisure Committee is actively committed to ensuring that children and youth are not only heard but also actively included in decision-making processes. In March 2026, several decisions were made that aim to further strengthen the role of youth participation.

The Path to a Youth Advisory Board

A central topic of the committee meeting on March 26, 2026, was the discussion and alignment of the proposal "Development of a Youth Advisory Board Concept." The committee recommended that the citizen assembly of the Hanseatic City of Stralsund generally commit to the introduction of a Youth Advisory Board. The administration is to develop a feasible implementation concept within six months, including the responsibilities, rights, composition, and funding of the Youth Advisory Board.

The introduction of a Youth Advisory Board is not only a sign of greater democratic participation but also a response to the growing expectations of young people in Stralsund to engage in municipal decision-making. The current discussion also reflects the demands of the Youth Summit 2024, which called for more opportunities for youth involvement.

The Jugendclub Havanna and Challenges in Youth Work

Another important topic was the development of the Jugendclub Havanna, which offers young people in the district of Knieper West opportunities for leisure activities. The Jugendclub is currently being renovated, and the work is expected to be completed by May/June 2026. With an investment volume of approximately 600,000 euros, the project is a clear signal of the importance of youth work in Stralsund.

However, youth work is currently facing challenges. The search for a new manager for the Jugendclub has so far been unsatisfactory. According to committee information, around 40 applications were received, but many applicants did not meet the professional requirements or the framework conditions. In addition, the position of Youth Coordinator has not yet been filled due to a shortage of skilled personnel.

The faction DIE LINKE. criticized in the committee meeting that youth work in Knieper West is currently insufficient and lacks starting points and active supervision. This highlights the tension between political goals and the actual implementation of youth work.

Proposals from the Youth Summit and the Children and Youth Parliament

Proposals from the Youth Summit 2024 were also in the focus. The priority list of the summit is to be discussed again in the next committee meeting. A Youth Advisory Board is to be more involved in such processes in the future.

In addition, there were specific requests from the Children and Youth Parliament (KiJuPA) of Stralsund schools. For example, young people called for more activities in the Bürgergarten – such as a snowman-building competition in winter – and an accessible design of the playground at the Moorteich. These proposals emphasize how important it is to include the voices of young people in planning.

Outlook: Youth Participation as a Forward-Looking Task

The discussions and decisions of the Youth and Leisure Committee show that Stralsund is consciously taking the path to strengthen the participation of young people. The planned Youth Advisory Board is a milestone in this process. However, challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers and funding also show that there is still a lot to do.

The coming months will show whether the concept for the Youth Advisory Board is feasible and whether youth work in Stralsund is actually strengthened. For the future of the city, it is crucial that politics not only reacts to the Youth Summit but also actively works together with children and young people.