Vice Mayor Wiederkehr visited the Children and Youth Million workshops
Vienna (OTS) – Over 100 committed children and young people between the ages of 5 and 20 gathered today in the people’s hall of the town hall to proudly present their ideas as part of the Children and Youth Million. A total of 148 innovative proposals met the submission criteria and attracted the attention of city employees and political decision-makers today. Now the next step follows, where concrete projects are developed together from the rough ideas. In early summer, the best projects will be chosen by all young Viennese people via online voting.
From tree house playgrounds to roller skating courses: young dreams for a lively city
The submitted ideas offer a fascinating look at the city, what it would look like and what it could offer if it were designed entirely from the eyes of children or young people. The breadth of the proposals is impressive, and a striking number deal with the promotion of sport, exercise and green, inviting spaces in the city. From a table tennis table in the community building, a tree house playground, a roller skating course through the city to free swimming courses and street art in empty buildings. The ideas reflect the desire of young Viennese for more space for play, community and learning.
Christoph Wiederkehr, deputy mayor and youth city councilor,underlines the importance of promoting democracy through the millions of children and young people: “Vienna has been chosen as the democracy capital of Europe. The Children and Youth Million is an outstanding lighthouse project that promotes the involvement of young people in decision-making processes. The joy that comes when young people come together to share their vision for the city is amazing. The Children and Youth Million is not only an investment in specific projects, but also in the future of our city. The voices of young people are heard and integrated into the shaping of urban life.”
Design together
From the over 220 ideas that were submitted in autumn 2023, Wienxtra, together with employees of the City of Vienna, carefully selected 148 ideas. Those ideas that did not meet the submission criteria or that were already being implemented were eliminated. The 148 ideas selected in this way now move on: in various workshops, the young idea generators work together with the city’s implementing departments to develop concrete projects, refine ideas and define the financial framework. In May and June, between May 21st and June 14th, all children and young people in Vienna will have the chance to vote on the projects online at meine.wien. Those projects with the most votes will ultimately be implemented with funds from the Children and Youth Million amounting to 1 million euros.
“The diversity of ideas presented in the town hall today reflects the creative energy and sense of community of the young generation. It’s inspiring to see how Vienna’s young minds not only develop ideas, but also work together to implement them.”is glad Nada Taha Ali Mohamed, Head of Young Vienna at Wienxtra on the further course of the project.
About the million children and young people
The Children and Youth Million is part of “Young Vienna”, Vienna’s children and youth strategy, which aims to make Vienna the most child and youth friendly city in the world. The initiative is organized and implemented by Wienxtra. Further information is available at meine.wien.gv.at. The initiative began in autumn 2021, when children and young people in Vienna were able to submit their ideas for the city. Since then, a total of 20 winning projects have been implemented. A water fountain in the Karl-Wrba-Hof community building, free menstrual products at schools, an extension of the sidewalk in front of the Rainergymnasium and a puzzle rally along Vienna’s city hiking trails are projects that have already been completed by the Children and Youth Million.
Questions & Contact:
Nina Oezelt Media spokesperson for Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr, MA +43 1 4000 83221 nina.oezelt@wien.gv.at
Nada Taha Ali Mohamed Viennaxtra: Young Vienna +43 909 4000 83202 nada.tahaalimohamed@wienxtra.at
