Youth leaders Bongers, Cordes, and Zimkeit swap positions at the NRW Youth Land Day event
In the heart of Germany, the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament recently hosted a three-day event, inviting teenagers aged 16-20 to immerse themselves in democracy and engage in discussions about societal issues. This year's event, which took place not too long ago, offered another opportunity for young people to join the conversation on current debates and learn about the workings of parliamentary democracy.
The event, known as the Youth Parliament, saw young representatives from schools across the region taking on the responsibility of discussing potential solutions to pressing issues, such as the skilled labor shortage in Germany, promoting political education, and combating organized crime.
Among the youth parliamentarians were Stefan Zimkeit, Sonja Bongers, and Frederick Cordes, who are regular representatives from Oberhausen in the state parliament. They emphasized that politics is a constant struggle for good societal compromises and encouraged all Oberhausen youth to participate in the Youth Parliament next year.
During the event, the young parliamentarians had the opportunity to participate in faction meetings, expert hearings, and committee debates, mirroring the daily reality of parliamentary life. Marc Zehrt from Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium, Dinslaken, Tim Rumpf from Gesamtschule Osterfeld, and Greta Schmidt from Heinrich-Heine-Gymnasium were among those who took the seats of the 195 state parliamentarians.
Frederick Cordes, one of the representatives, added that the Youth Parliament is a testament to democrats openly debating and seeking common ground, demonstrating the process of finding solutions through dialogue and collaboration. Sonja Bongers, another representative, stated that the Youth Parliament is an effective format for introducing young people to parliamentary democracy.
As we look forward to the next Youth Parliament, scheduled to take place in October or November 2024, it is essential to note that the specific details are yet to be announced. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament or check their official website for any announcements related to the event.
The Youth Parliament serves as a beacon of hope for the future of democracy, showcasing the potential of young voices to contribute to meaningful discussions and shape the future of their communities.
The Youth Parliament, an annual event in North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament, not only offers young people a platform to discuss pressing issues like skilled labor shortage and political education, but also serves as a learning ground for parliamentary democracy, as evident in the experiences of representatives like Stefan Zimkeit, Sonja Bongers, and Frederick Cordes. Meanwhile, staying informed about the next Youth Parliament scheduled for October or November 2024 involves checking the official website or contacting the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament for updates.
