Youth Policy in Solingen: Focus on Participation, Democracy, and Afternoon Care in February 2026

Youth Policy in Solingen: What Was Decided in February 2026

In the city of Solingen, youth policy in February 2026 covered a wide range of topics, from democratic education and safety to financial transparency. The Youth Welfare Committee addressed several central issues in its second meeting of the month, which will have a lasting impact on the future of youth in Solingen.

Strengthening Democracy: Participation in the Federal Program "Live Democracy!"

The city of Solingen has decided to participate in the federal program "Live Democracy!" for 2026. With a total funding of 140,000 euros from federal funds and a self-financed contribution of 15,556 euros, Solingen is investing in promoting democracy, preventing extremism, and shaping diversity.

60 individual measures are planned, including projects by the Youth City Council and the Max-Leven Center. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of citizens in goal-setting via the annual Democracy Conference. The Partnership for Democracy is highlighted as a key actor in strengthening social cohesion in the city.

Redefining School Yards: Revised School Yard Usage Regulations

The revised school yard usage regulations constitute another focal point of youth policy in Solingen. The goal is to make school yards safer and more multifunctional—not only during school hours but also outside of them.

Youth are explicitly included as a target group. In primary schools, the use of school yards is permitted up to the age of 14, and in secondary schools up to the age of 18. Activities such as cycling, roller skating, and playing ball games with soft balls are allowed. At the same time, clear rules apply: alcohol, nicotine, and drugs are prohibited, as are motorized or battery-powered vehicles.

The new regulations provide legal clarity and enable better use of school yards for leisure and physical activity. In addition, they support the city’s sustainability strategy, particularly in terms of social participation and the development of leisure activities.

Afternoon Care: Standardization and Funding

Afternoon care (ÜMI) is another important topic. Starting from August 1, 2026, care will be offered until 2 p.m., including holiday care and lunch. At three model schools, care will be extended until 3 p.m. (ÜMI Flex).

Financially, this means additional annual costs of 1.2 million euros, borne by the city. Parental contributions are legally required and income-dependent. Approximately 0.6 million euros are expected to be collected annually through these contributions.

The standardization of care services aims to create more flexibility for parents while simultaneously improving the quality of care. At the same time, care for siblings and children in alternating models is being reduced, which is socially commendable.

Outlook: Climate Protection and Future Readiness

The Youth Welfare Committee meeting concluded with an outlook on the topic of climate protection in municipal kindergartens. Solingen plans to launch a reward round for climate protection measures in kindergartens, directly reaching 1,500 children and indirectly their families.

Another project is the climate adaptation of the Youth House in Gräfrath. With a funding of 228,418 euros, shade trees, hedges, green roofs, and planting are to be installed to redesign the outdoor areas in a youth-friendly and climate-friendly manner.

Conclusion: Youth Policy as an Investment in the Future

With the decisions made in February 2026, Solingen demonstrates that youth policy is not only a task for the administration but a central component for the city’s future readiness. By investing in democracy, safety, leisure, and climate protection, the city is actively involving and supporting its young residents. The political discussions have shown that there is broad social willingness in Solingen to involve young people more in decision-making processes—a positive signal for the future.