Twelve proposals from the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council

All proposals were referred for discussion within the relevant councils.

The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður put forward twelve proposals to the town council at its meeting on 24th May. The proposals cover, among other things, matters relating to schools, leisure activities, and planning in the immediate local area. The City Council welcomed all of the Youth Council's proposals and unanimously agreed to refer them for discussion and consideration to the relevant committees. The proposals are already under discussion within the relevant committees and boards.

The proposals are as follows:

1. The Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes that the council be more involved in the work of committees and boards. It is proposed that the Youth Council be given either observer or full representative status on committees and boards. Referred to the town council for discussion.
2. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the town council increase education about politics and elections in primary schools and subsequently campaign for the voting age to be lowered to 16. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.
3. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the municipality do even better to ensure equal access for disabled people, particularly to sports. Referred to the Family Council for discussion.
4. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that suitable facilities be provided for meetings, as there is little peace and quiet for working in Hamran, the youth centre. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.
5. The Hafnarfjörður Youth Council proposes that the municipality properly assess the work of the youth council and pay its representatives for attending meetings. Referred to the town council for discussion.
6. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður take more radical action on climate change and establish a climate committee. Referred to the Environment and Executive Committee for discussion.
7. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the town's youth centres organise joint get-togethers at least once a month. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.
8. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that further measures be taken to combat the growing prejudice against queer people in the community and to address prejudice within the walls of primary schools. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.
9. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður replaces Mentor with Inna. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.
10. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the city's youth centres be merged into one large youth centre, which could, for example, be located in the current premises of the Hafnarfjörður Library at 1 Strandgata. A suitable future home must be secured for the 'Music and Motor' section. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.
11. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that bus travel be free for children under 18 and that services on route 19 be more frequent. Referred to the Environment and Operations Committee for discussion.
12. The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður proposes that the municipality of Hafnarfjörður offer Icelandic language classes for immigrants. Referred to the Education Committee for discussion.

About the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council

The Youth Council of Hafnarfjörður is a platform for young people aged 13-18. The emphasis is on training in democratic working methods, as well as communicating the views of young people to the relevant authorities within the system. The Youth Council is composed of two representatives from each secondary school in Hafnarfjörður, three from each upper secondary school in Hafnarfjörður, and three representatives who are selected through Hamarinn at Suðurgata 14. The council has two staff members who work primarily as advisors and therefore do not influence its activities. The council's aim is to create a platform and channels for those under the age of 18 to communicate their opinions and proposals to the relevant parties. The participation of young people is important for improving the services and conditions for them. This is especially true for matters that concern young people in one way or another and which they know from personal experience. These include school activities, leisure activities and the planning of the immediate environment.

More about Youth Council | Hafnarfjörður (hafnarfjordur.is)