DISCUSS in Leeuwarden: Youth Shaping Local Solutions

On July 4th, a local participation event as part of the DISCUSS project, an initiative aimed at empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to engage in debates and advocate for inclusive policies happened in the Kanselarij in Leeuwarden. Organized in collaboration with Tienskip, this event highlighted the power of young voices in shaping their communities.
During the event, Firda students presented creative solutions to pressing local issues, focusing on improving public transportation, thus finding green solutions to real problems being faced by the local youth. Among the proposals were the introduction of a dedicated “Firdaliner” bus service and more flexible class schedules to better accommodate students’ daily routines. These ideas demonstrated the students’ ability to think critically and propose practical solutions that directly impact their lives.
A key moment of the event was the visit of Minister Uitermark, who witnessed firsthand how debate-based youth work empowers students to tackle real-world challenges with guidance from political mentors. This interaction reinforced the importance of policymakers listening to and collaborating with young people to create meaningful change.
The local participation event in Leeuwarden was a resounding success, showcasing how youth-led initiatives can lead to innovative community solutions. By giving students the tools and platform to voice their ideas, events like these inspire the next generation to take an active role in shaping their society. The presence of decision makes at these events makes young people feel heard and likelier to take action in their local environment. We look forward to future DISCUSS events that continue to bridge the gap between young people and policymakers, driving impactful change at both local and national levels.