Young voices shape safer school environment in Finsterwolde
Children from De Bouwsteen school in Finsterwolde have successfully campaigned for a cleaner and safer school environment. Their efforts led to new trash cans, anti-dog waste signs, and improved crossings, showing how youth engagement can drive local change.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kindcentrum De Bouwsteen, Finsterwolde, Oldambt municipality, Groningen |
| Initiative | Children's council of De Bouwsteen |
| Improvements Made | Colorful fences, extra trash can, anti-dog waste signs, safer zebra crossing |
| Date of Implementation | March 19, 2024 |
| Key Stakeholders | Children's council, Mayor Cora-Yfke Sikkema, Dorpsbelangen Finsterwolde |
| Future Improvement | Widening sidewalk at De Hardenberg on Klinkerweg for safer crossing |
The Oldambt municipality plays a key role in facilitating local initiatives, such as those led by schools and community groups, to improve public spaces and safety. By responding to citizen requests, the municipality fosters community engagement and ensures infrastructure meets the needs of residents.
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Read the full translated article below
A safer and cleaner environment around the school thanks to the efforts of the children's council of De Bouwsteen Finsterwolde
Colorful fences for the school, an extra trash can, and anti-dog waste signs. Thanks to the efforts of the children's council of Kindcentrum De Bouwsteen in Finsterwolde, the environment around the school has been improved. The children, together with the school's principal, wrote a letter to the mayor requesting improvements to the area around the school.
The children's council also requested an additional trash can near the mosaic bench, signs around the grass field by the playground urging people not to let dogs off-leash there, and a safer zebra crossing.
Engaged
“We were very pleased with the letter from the children's council,” says Mayor Cora-Yfke Sikkema of the Oldambt municipality. “It’s wonderful to see residents of our municipality—especially very young ones—feeling engaged with their surroundings and taking action. I think this is an example for all Oldambt residents. This is how participation should look, in my view!”
Colorful fences
On March 19, the children’s wishes were put into action. Colorful fences were installed at the school exit, along with a clear school zone sign. The requested trash can was also placed. The anti-dog waste signs had already been installed earlier.
Widening the sidewalk
At the request of the village interests group (Dorpsbelangen), the sidewalk at the entrance of De Hardenberg on Klinkerweg will be widened so that a zebra crossing can be installed. This will allow the children to cross more safely.
Happy with the result
With these adjustments, the wishes of the children's council have been fulfilled. The children, parents, and staff of KC De Bouwsteen are very pleased with the outcome and look back positively on the collaboration with the municipality.