Youth Policy in Gelsenkirchen: Challenges, Investments, and Participation in March 2026

Youth Policy in Gelsenkirchen: A Focus on Safety, Participation, and Investments

In March 2026, Gelsenkirchen was particularly active in youth policy. The Committee for Children, Youth, and Families made important decisions and discussed central topics that could shape the future of youth in the city. The discussions ranged from crime development and youth protection to investments in youth infrastructure and the promotion of participatory projects. Some of the most important points at a glance:

Safety and Crime Prevention

A central topic was the report on the development of juvenile crime. The committee requested a comprehensive overview of the current situation, including the successes of preventive measures and the remaining challenges. In addition, a report on the use of BuT services in 2025 was requested to evaluate the effectiveness of the Education and Participation Package (BuT).

In this context, the review report by the North Rhine-Westphalia Municipal Audit Office (GPA) on child and youth welfare services was also discussed. The audit results from 2024/2025 showed that there is room for improvement in implementation, particularly in terms of transparency and the processing of services. The administration was asked to present concrete measures for optimization.

Investments in Youth Infrastructure

Another focus was on the NRW infrastructure funding, which is also to be used for youth work. The application emphasized that youth facilities such as youth centers, youth houses, and educational institutions must be an integral part of the municipal educational landscape. However, there was a backlog in investments in youth infrastructure, which urgently needs to be addressed. Many facilities require renovations, barrier-free access, and improvements to energy efficiency standards.

The administration was tasked with assessing the investment needs of independent youth welfare providers and involving them in the consultation process of the youth welfare committee. The funding for Open Youth Work (OKJA) for 2026 was approved, with a total of 2,645,539 € in financial resources being provided. The focus was not only on the quantity but also on the quality of the offers – with a focus on impact, target groups, and protection concepts.

Participation and New Projects

Youth policy in Gelsenkirchen is strongly characterized by the participation of young people. In March 2026, several projects were presented that directly involve young people. The responsible parties reported on the project „Platz DA“, which offers young people spaces for exchange and creativity, as well as „Junge Stimmen aus Gelsenkirchen“, which includes idea workshops and surveys by the initiative VoiceUp!.

Another highlight was the pop-up youth space in the city center, which was set up as a temporary meeting place for young people. The administration emphasized that such projects can help to integrate young people into the city, its culture, and society.

The Annual Theme 2026: „Being Human“

A special focus was placed on the annual theme of Open Youth Work in 2026: „Being Human“. Inspired by the quote „Be human“ by Margot Friedländer, this theme is intended to help young people orient themselves in a complex world and build reliable relationships. The goal is to create spaces and structures in which young people can try things out and find reliable points of contact.

Outlook

Youth policy in Gelsenkirchen is showing a phase of realignment. With a focus on safety, investments, and participation, the city is trying to address the needs of young people in a sustainable way. The discussions in the Committee for Children, Youth, and Families show that Gelsenkirchen is ready to face these challenges – and not only with money, but also with ideas and commitment.