Child and youth participation in Bonn
In March 2007, over 80 participants discussed participation in Bonn in several working groups at the Haus der Stadtwerke. The focus was on the participating children aged nine to twelve and young people aged 13 and over. In the ideas workshop, the children and young people, as well as the experts from youth work, politics and administration, rated the key points described in the Bonn model as particularly important for a continuous culture of participation.
Key points of the Bonn model of child and youth participation
Participation workshop/ideas workshop
This always deals with current topics that are specified by children and young people, politicians and the administration. This form of participation is characterized by stringent moderation and a results- and solution-oriented approach.
Examples: Play guidance planning, school projects, district-oriented projects.
Children's and youth forums
- Are public and at the same time open to all children and young people.
- Loose circle of participants
- They are convened by the district youth workers.
- They take place at district level
- They are topic and project-oriented
- Very low-threshold
Participation in facilities and institutions
This involves promoting co-determination in kindergartens, schools and youth centers by holding and accompanying concept days.
Educational programs on the topic of democracy
- School classes visit the city administration.
- The Children and Youth Commissioner (opens in a new tab) visits schools and kindergartens in Bonn on request.
Get involved
- Playground mentors advocate for the interests of children and parents on site.
- Social workers look after the interests of children and young people through outreach work.
Children and youth representatives
- Advocates for the interests of children and young people in Bonn.
- Supports the further development of a child- and family-friendly city.
Internet portal for children and young people
The Bonn children's rights website provides information on current projects and offers relating to child and youth participation in Bonn and beyond.
Initiation of projects for a child- and family-friendly city
2017/2018: NRW project: More open spaces for children
(Funded by the Ministry of Building, Housing, Urban Development and Transport)
- Improving the framework conditions for safe and independent movement and free play for children
- Visualization of children's interests in the street space,
- Promotion of children's movement skills,
- Consideration of children's interests in urban and traffic planning,
- Overall urban perspectives were highlighted.