Voices used at the first Children's Council of Hafnarfjörður
The first Children's Parliament of Hafnarfjörður was held this morning at the Scout Hall. Children from the 5th to the 7th grade of the town's primary schools took part. „It is incredibly important to have a voice and to use it,“ said the chairperson of the Youth Council in their opening address.
Hafnarfjörður Children's Assembly 2026
The first Children's Parliament of Hafnarfjörður was held this morning at the Scout Centre. Children from the 5th to the 7th grade of the town's primary schools took part.
„This is the first time that middle school pupils from all the neighbourhoods of Hafnarfjörður have the opportunity to come together and make their voices heard. It is a big step and you are a part of it,“ said Elísa Axelsdóttir, chairperson of the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council, as she welcomed the Hafnarfjörður Children's Assembly in her opening speech.
This first Children's Assembly of Hafnarfjörður was held at the Hraunbúar Scout Hall on Víðistaðatún. The programme was packed. After the opening address, table work began where the young people reviewed and discussed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. They then had a snack before resuming their work. They finished the day with lunch, which was, of course, pizza.
The Youth Council is a platform for young people aged 13–18 to convey their views to the right people within the town's administration.
„It is incredibly important to have a voice and use it. We in the youth council have experienced it ourselves, for example when we took part in a council meeting and put forward our ideas. That experience showed us that what we have to say really matters and that we are listened to,“ she said.
„It is also good to know about the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council, which works to represent the views of young people. When you move up to the senior group, you will have the opportunity to apply to be a part of that work and have an even greater impact,“ she said.
She encouraged the young people to remember that all ideas are good. „No idea is too small or too strange. Use your voice, say what you think and get involved. Today's results will be used to make Hafnarfjörður an even better town for children and young people to live in.“
We echo the words of Elísa, who said at the end, „Enjoy the day, take part and have fun.“