Oldambt's first child mayor Femke Nap unveils unique clay ceremonial chain
Oldambt has appointed its first child mayor, Femke Nap, who now represents local children. She helped design a symbolic clay ceremonial chain and will advocate for inclusive play at a national event in Zwolle this weekend.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Child Mayor | Femke Nap |
| Municipality | Oldambt (Groningen) |
| Ceremonial Chain Designer | Artist Martin Pottjewijd from Beilen |
| Material of Chain | Clay |
| National Event | National Day of Child Mayors in Zwolle (March 28, 2025) |
| Advocacy Focus | Inclusive play for all children |
| Appointment Date | September 2024 (corrected from 2025) |
| Mayor Who Presented Chain | Cora-Yfke Sikkema |
The municipality of Oldambt plays a role in promoting youth participation and civic engagement by appointing a child mayor. This initiative aims to give children a voice in local governance and community matters, fostering inclusivity and representation.
Openrijk is free and ad-free
Do you value our work? Help us stay online with a small contribution.
Read the full translated article below
Femke receives ceremonial chain as Oldambt's first child mayor
Femke Nap is Oldambt municipality's very first child mayor. On Tuesday, March 24, Femke officially received the ceremonial chain of the child mayor from Mayor Cora‑Yfke Sikkema.
A ceremonial chain for and by children
Over the past period, Femke worked with the child mayor team to design the ceremonial chain. During various meetings, they brainstormed and sketched extensively. It wasn’t long before everyone agreed: the ceremonial chain should symbolize all children in Oldambt. Additionally, the themes of the grain republic, clocks, peace, love, joy, and combating violence had to be incorporated into the design.
Next came the search for someone who could create this special ceremonial chain. Artist Martin Pottjewijd from Beilen was tasked with the honor. He crafted the entire ceremonial chain from clay. “I think it’s really beautiful!” Femke says. Is it also heavy to wear a clay ceremonial chain? “No, it’s actually quite light.”
Femke represents Oldambt in Zwolle
On Saturday, March 28, Oldambt’s ceremonial chain will make its national debut. Femke will attend the National Day of Child Mayors in Zwolle, where she will showcase her ceremonial chain and discuss playgrounds with other child mayors. Femke is currently advocating for inclusive play. “I believe it’s important that all children can play together and that everyone has fun.”
Who is Femke?
Femke has been Oldambt’s first child mayor since September 2025. She loves sports, being creative, baking, and reading. In her application letter, Femke explained that after a school visit from Mayor Cora-Yfke Sikkema, she became so enthusiastic that she wanted to become a mayor herself. When the call for Oldambt’s first child mayor was announced, she decided to apply immediately. Femke believes it’s important to make her voice heard and stand up for the children of Oldambt municipality.