In addition to closed questions, which covered topics such as family, future, leisure, education, worries, children's rights, offers of help, housing situation, participation and feedback on municipal facilities such as the youth welfare office, youth leisure facilities, sports clubs and church communities, open questions were also asked. The results of the respondents are sincere, honest, touching, creative and exciting, as Andreas Kämper from the GOE Institute emphasizes. Around 80 percent of respondents used the open field to express their greatest wish. This resulted in over 1,000 wishes being received.
Further results show that the children rate their future as "rather good". Incidentally, compared to the nationwide study, the children and young people in Kevelaer have a much more positive view of the future. However, they also expressed fears regarding the Ukraine conflict, climate change and the threat of poverty, for example.
With regard to topics that are relevant to them, respondents would like to be more involved in decision-making. Almost 60 percent of 16-20-year-olds prefer the form of consultation as a means of participation. In contrast, only around 35% of the older survey group and just over 30% of the younger survey group are in favor of the introduction of a children's and youth parliament.
The complete results of the children and youth survey will now be examined internally, evaluated and made available to politicians. The next step is to continue working with the evaluation results and use them as a basis for future planning and measures to support young people in Kevelaer. The pilgrimage town of Kevelaer would like to thank the respondents for their high level of participation.