In addition, the members of the "old" youth parliament were bid farewell.
Well-wishers at the constituent meeting
Elke Ferfers, Head of the Children, Youth and Family Department, conveyed the congratulations of Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel, the Chairman of the City Council Michael Letter and City Councillor Dr. Dirk Härdrich, who wished the new youth parliament every success.
They were joined by Martina Malak, the city's youth welfare officer, Simone Semmler, the equal opportunities officer, and Moritz Panning, the new executive director of the youth parliament.
Elke Ferfers explained how important the youth parliament is for young people in Salzgitter. "They give young people in our city a voice." That is why it is an important task of the youth parliamentarians to make their voices heard and participate in decisions. The voluntary commitment of the youth parliamentarians is supported by the administration and local politicians.
The head of the specialist service emphasized that there has been a youth parliament in Salzgitter for ten years, which local politicians advocated at the time so that young people could become active in a committee and get involved. "They are shown appreciation and recognition," said Elke Ferfers, who wished the new youth parliament a good start.
Martina Malak and Bernadeta Kocot-Miczka, Head of the Youth and Democracy Education Team in the Municipal Child and Youth Development Department, agreed with this, bidding farewell to the previous youth parliamentarians with a certificate and gift and welcoming the new members.
A look back at what has been achieved
Lenya-Marie Denecke, deputy speaker of the "old" youth parliament, looked back on the achievements and activities of the fifth youth parliament in a short review: Climate run; garbage collection at Salzgittersee; drinks and exchanges with local politicians; speeches and information stand on 75 years of the Basic Law and Racism Day; catcalls; Summerbreak party; having a say in the city center concept and network meetings.
Result of the elections
Erik Maaß was elected as the new spokesperson. Lenya-Marie Denecke was elected as the new deputy spokesperson. What is special: Both were already active in these functions in the "old" youth parliament. Tom Ludwig was elected secretary.
Outlook
"We can achieve a lot," emphasized the new speaker of the youth parliament Erik Maaß. There are many ideas and a lot to do. It will certainly be exhausting at times, but there is great support from the administration. The voluntary work is a lot of fun and enjoyable because "we are the voice of young people in Salzgitter", says Erik Maaß. He is looking forward to working together in the new youth parliament to become active for young people and achieve something.
More information: Ten years of the Salzgitter Youth Parliament
After 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022, the sixth youth parliament in Salzgitter is taking up its work. It will consist of 18 Salzgitter residents in the upcoming election period. They will be between 14 and 19 years old when they take office.
This includes ten young people who were already represented in the Youth Parliament during the 5th electoral term. Eight parliamentarians will be new members.
What does the Youth Parliament do?
The Youth Parliament meets publicly eight times a year. It receives suggestions and requests from children and young people in Salzgitter and develops possible solutions that are implemented in cooperation with the city administration or forwarded to the council or the specialist committees.
It is involved in measures taken by the administration and the council that affect the interests of children and young people.
The Youth Parliament can also set up open working groups to deal with specific issues. All young people from Salzgitter can also participate in these groups.