Local students win Lopik's Youth Debate 2026 with 'Freedom for Lopik' proposal
Young debaters from Lopik's primary schools impressed judges and spectators at the Youth Debate 2026, tackling real council proposals. The winning team, Eben Haezerschool's 'Freedom for Lopik,' secured the trophy after a lively discussion on food pricing and housing development.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Youth Debate 2026 |
| Location | Dorpshuis XXL, Benschop |
| Date | March 12, 2026 |
| Winning Team | Luuk, Levi, and Melih (Eben Haezerschool, 'Freedom for Lopik' faction) |
| Winning Proposal | 'Freedom for Lopik' (VvL) |
| Debate Topics | 1. Making healthy food cheaper, unhealthy food more expensive |
| 2. More high-rise buildings for housing while preserving green spaces | |
| Jury Members | Mayor Renate Westerlaken-Loos, Councilor Gerrit Slob, Jan Spier |
| Participating Schools | Eben Haezerschool, Jan Bunnikschool, and others |
| Guest Speakers | Residents Luca van Beek and Didy Brokking (city councilors) |
The Municipality of Lopik organizes the Youth Debate to engage young citizens in local governance and civic participation. This initiative helps pupils understand democratic processes and encourages them to voice their opinions on community issues.
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Read the full translated article below
‘Freedom for Lopik’ by Eben Haezer Benschop wins Youth Debate 2026
On Thursday, March 12, the Youth Debate took place at Dorpshuis XXL in Benschop. Pupils from year 7 of Lopik's primary schools debated under the watchful eyes of jury members, classmates, teachers, and parents about two council proposals. The factions were evenly matched. According to the expert jury, all young council members did well. The pupils were able to substantiate their positions well and listened to each other with respect for everyone's opinion. Luuk, Levi, and Melih from the Eben Haezerschool in Benschop emerged victorious with their VvL faction (Freedom for Lopik) and took home the trophy. Heartfelt congratulations! 🏆
Council Proposals
The youth factions debated under the leadership of chair and deputy mayor Gerrit Spelt and encouraged by classmates and parents about two council proposals (https://lopik.raadsinformatie.nl/): 1. Making healthy food cheaper and unhealthy food more expensive; 2. More high-rise buildings for extra housing while preserving green spaces.
As in a real council meeting, there were also speakers. Residents Mr. Luca van Beek and Mrs. Didy Brokking (both also city councilors) were given 3 minutes of speaking time to share their opinions on the topics with the youth council.
Expert Jury
The expert jury consisted of jury chairwoman mayor Renate Westerlaken-Loos, councilor Gerrit Slob, and former education manager Jan Spier. During the debate, the jury members paid attention to various points. They looked at the enthusiasm of the pupils, how they reacted to each other, and their improvisation skills. They also paid attention to strong and original arguments. At the end of the debate, the jury announced the winner.
Participating Primary Schools and Party Names
- The New Wheel Moves (DNWB)
- Heart for the Rainbow (HvdR)
- Natural Benschop (NB)
- Freedom for Lopik (VvL)
- Safety for Children (VvK)
- Together for Everyone (SvI)
Guided Tours and Guest Lessons
Earlier this year, the pupils were given a guided tour of the town hall. Also, alderman Gerrit Spelt gave guest lessons at school. These lessons were about citizenship. The topics of the two council proposals were discussed in several guest lessons.
The pupils of the Jan Bunnikschool also participated in the guest lesson and guided tour. Unfortunately, they were not able to attend the Youth Debate.