The first public meeting of the Children's Forum took place in July 2024 in the Ludwig Forum space. Five pupil parliaments from elementary school in Aachen had set out to make their various concerns clear to politicians and the specialist administration. With sketches, light installations, chants and videos, the children made their voices heard in front of around 120 visitors and showed in an impressive way how even 8 to 10-year-olds can be experts in their own cause.
© City of Aachen / Christian vant Hoen
Children present their ideas to politicians at the first Children's Parliament in July 2024 at the Ludwig Forum Aachen
The topics were diverse. Whether it was the design of the children's rights square at the Talstraße depot, a staircase in need of renovation in the south of Aachen in Kornelimünster, the lighting of part of the Vennbahnweg or the wish for a closed "school street" at peak times. The children argued, made suggestions and impressed the adults with their knowledge, creativity and courage. Point by point, the children elaborated on their ideas and suggestions, while the committee and guests listened attentively.
The specialist administration examined the applications from the elementary school and prepared a child-friendly presentation, which met with a positive response from the auditorium. The report on some small measures that have already been implemented also pleased children, teachers and politicians alike. While there were differences of opinion on one point or another, the committee and the administration were unanimous on one point. All proposals were worthy of support without reservation and should be dealt with as quickly as possible in the specialist committees, district councils or as extended local meetings.