YOUTH AND CHILDREN FRIENDLY TOWN

Bützow municipality is engaged in creating a family friendly town, especially by involving children and youths. Many projects have been initiated within the Local Agenda 21 process that began in 1997.

One important organ is the Youth Council. During the last three years the young members have organised special youth events, where they informed other youths about rules of local elections and invited local politicians. Another, already traditional, event is the annual "Youth Rock Night" with up-and-coming bands. The Youth Council initiates art exhibitions with drawings of pupils, theatre performances, contributes to local festivals and much more.

Also thanks to the Youth Council Bützow hosted the German campaign "Caravan for more children's friendliness". On September 10 th , 2000 a big children's day with lots of attractions and great contributions of local associations was celebrated. One highlight of that day was the "Children's Assembly" where children aged between 9 and 11 interviewed the mayor and two local politicians.

Youth clubs and schools are also involved in our Local Agenda 21 projects where pupils can choose different themes. During a project week one group analysed the traffic along frequented school ways. They recognised that there is a traffic light needed at a special crossing. As a result this light was built. In another school the children and youths bought an old transformer house and reconstructed it as an accommodation for little animals, e. g. bats and hedgehogs.

One children club integrated their children in the planning of a new playground. The municipality later built this playground following the children's wishes. All the youth clubs would be connected and participate in a new project "Local Youth Network". By internet technologies young inhabitants can communicate with each other and are informed about events and projects.

With all these projects Bützow wants to show perspectives for young people. They can take part and join in the local development. An example that they really want to do this, is the participation of a youth group in the UBC youth network "Youths Concerning a Sustainable Future" (YCSF) which met in Bützow in October las year.