"Young people have different and fresh ideas" - Young people start initiative to offer young people in Den Helder a future

Young people from Held in front of the Plein XL building on Spuistraat.

Den Helder - September 29. Volunteer work. A debate with council members. A youth party. Youth ambassadors and more intelligible language. Just a few ideas that Helderse youths proposed last Sunday to increase the quality of life for young people in Den Helder. The brainstorming session was organized by Plein XL with a view to the municipal elections next March.
The session started with a presentation by Nikkie Siersma, trainee at Plein XL: “Young people experience various problems in Den Helder. Little perspective due to poor connection to the labor market, unemployment, prejudices and an increasing gap with the older generation. ”Siersma tells. "What you see is an increase in migration to the Randstad and a faster aging in Den Helder."

10,000 young people
"The tide can certainly be turned," says Jolanda van Duin, chairman of Plein XL, "by letting young people think along about their own future. And by connecting young and old. There are many ways for that. Young people must do it themselves and find their own voice. Being heard by society. And that is desperately needed: Den Helder has 10,000 young people aged 12 to 27 who feel less and less seen by politicians and the municipality. ”

Municipal elections in jip-and-janne metal
Plein XL focuses on the municipal elections next year and will enter into discussions with the political parties. “We'll be at D66 next Wednesday. And we also mean the young people themselves: only young people can represent other young people. ”Van Duin tells. Wesley Bakker is one of those young people: “We want to tell all political parties what we think is important. We also want to know: what can you do for us young people? Look, the language of politics is often boring and tricky. Young people do not understand what is meant. We would love to hear what their views are about young people in jip-and-janneketaal. ”

About Plein XL
Plein XL is a citizens' initiative of young people aged 12 to 27 that wants to connect the generations of Den Helder. Plein XL is sponsored by the Housing Foundation, HEMA, Gamma, Intermitz and the Zeeman Groep. For more information: www.pleinXL.nl.