Municipal policy is insufficiently in line with the interests of young people in Assen

taketonews

The policy of the municipality of Assen does not sufficiently match the interests of young people in Assen in terms of facilities and events. This is according to an investigation by the independent audit committee of the municipality.

583 young people from Assen between the ages of 12 and 23 participated in the study. Participants come from the different neighborhoods of Assen. More than half of them are in secondary education.

Among other things, the survey provides an idea of ​​what young people in Assen consider important and like to do in their free time. This shows that young people, especially in the age group between 15 and 23 years, need a ‘lively city center’ with places to go out and meet. For example, they want a varied range of shops, discotheques, clubs and catering establishments and activities such as parties and events.

Out a series from Omroep Assen and RTV Drenthe it has already become clear that young people think there is too little to do in Assen. Three quarters of the participants in the survey confirm this picture. In addition, half of them feel that the facilities and activities of the municipality do not suit their interests sufficiently. Examples of activities they do like to do are airsoft, laser gaming, jump styling and gaming. It also appears that most young people do not know what to do in the city.

However, according to the audit committee, the municipality has limited influence to comply with these wishes. Sports clubs, cultural institutions, the hospitality industry and entrepreneurs also play an important role in this.

In the field of sports, culture and welfare facilities, it appears that there is sufficient supply for young people. According to the survey, most young people in Assen are also satisfied with their lives and indicate that they can enjoy themselves in their spare time.

According to the committee, conversations between young people and the municipality are rarely followed up. The research states that young people are not structurally involved in the plans to meet their needs.

Young people also do not know what the possibilities are for taking and implementing initiatives themselves. The municipality provides financial support for this through Mijn Buurt Assen and STILA, but the research shows that young people are not aware of these possibilities at all. At the same time, few young people want to take the initiative themselves or be involved in implementation. They mainly think that the municipality and entrepreneurs should do that.

The research into the facilities for young people in Assen will be discussed in the city council next Thursday. It was planned earlier, but was postponed by corona.

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