Youth Policy in Jena: Integration, Participation, and Future Prospects

Integration and Language Support as Keys to an Inclusive City Society

Jena is increasingly committed to the integration of children with a migration background. Targeted measures have been implemented in kindergartens and elementary schools such as Kita Regenbogen or the Saaletalschule to remove linguistic and cultural barriers. The initiative "Thüringer Qualitätskompass – linguistic education and inclusive kindergarten development" is a milestone in this area. It will be expanded to 150 kindergartens in Thuringia by 2026 and brings new training opportunities for educational professionals.

These measures show that Jena is not only relying on symbolic inclusivity, but on structural support. The funding guidelines, which will come into effect in December 2025, allow for the planning of early measures – a smart approach in an area that requires long-term planning.

Youth Participation: From Theory to Practice

The establishment of the Youth Parliament and the election of its executive board mark a new phase of youth participation in Jena. The demand for more publicly accessible toilets in Lobeda, especially for girls and young women, underlines how concrete and practical the concerns of young people are.

Youth participation is also actively pursued in projects such as the skate park or the night culture. The call for low-threshold participation formats, better return options, and more lighting shows that Jena is responding to the needs of young people. The planning of a strike project against the reactivation of conscription is another example of the political sensitivity of the younger generation.

Structural Challenges in Youth Welfare

Youth welfare in Jena is facing significant challenges. Rising personnel costs are forcing adjustments in the allocation of funds, and the capacities in youth welfare are approaching their limits. In addition, the number of reported cases of child endangerment is increasing, requiring stronger resource planning.

The city is responding with inclusive planning within the framework of the SGB VIII and is focusing on quality development. With the implementation of the law to strengthen structures against sexual violence against children and young people, Jena has taken another step toward protection and prevention. At the same time, professional advisory services remain a crucial pillar to support providers and institutions.

Youth Work Fund/Youth Social Work Fund: How are projects supported?

The Youth Work Fund/Youth Social Work Fund is a central component of youth promotion in Jena. It supports projects for children, young people, and young adults up to the age of 27, with a focus on psychosocial health, media education, sustainability, and political education. The maximum funding per project is 3,000 euros, always as partial funding.

Applications are submitted via the city of Jena's online portal and are subject to clear guidelines. The reporting obligation after the project ends is a challenge but is also seen as an opportunity to evaluate and optimize projects sustainably. Institutional funding is excluded, which focuses the attention on clearly defined measures.

Outlook: Jena as a Model City for Youth-Friendly Policy?

The political initiatives and structural measures in Jena show that the city is on the way to positioning itself as a youth-friendly city. With the expansion of kindergartens, the strengthening of youth participation, and the support of projects in the Youth Parliament, a broad spectrum is being addressed.

Future challenges will include ensuring the financial and personnel resources of youth welfare, strengthening participation in rural districts, and anchoring youth participation in urban decision-making processes in a sustainable manner. Jena could become a model for other cities across the country in the process.