Youth decides! Silbersee Opening with free admission inspires Villach

Youth decides! Silbersee Opening with free admission inspires Villach

Villach, Österreich - In Villach there was a striking event in which young people were actively involved in the design of their free time. On May 16, 2025, the young people were able to determine which event they would like to determine. With impressive 58.9 % of the votes, the decision was made on the traditional Silbersee Opening, which will take place this year with free admission from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The other proposals, which were also for voting, were a summer cinema that received 55.4 % of the votes, as well as a graffiti taster day that was able to record 23.5 % of the votes. A total of 780 young people took part in the vote and thus expressed their wish for more participation.

Vice Mayor and youth officer Gerda Sandriesser emphasized how important it is that projects that are helped to help shape by young people. She found that personal responsibility is promoted by such initiatives. As part of the Villach youth budget, the three winning ideas-beach party, summer cinema and graffiti workshop-are to be implemented in the current year. In addition, further suggestions such as karaoke, running competition or rap & cyers parties were caught, which should also be realized if possible. Interested young people can get involved in the planning via the youth center in Gerbergasse.

The importance of youth participation

The vote in Villach reflects a trendy approach that also shows itself in other regions: the inclusion of young people in political decisions and leisure activities. Youth participation makes it possible to bring the view of young people into politics and society. This promotes not only the examination of political issues, but also the ability to articulate one's own opinions. Learning young people, listening and learning in discussions, making compromises and actively fighting for a place in society.

Such formats convey basic democratic values such as a say, equality and tolerance. Nevertheless, there are challenges in the implementation of youth participation. For example, the sustainability of project -oriented approaches must be checked regularly. If young people are only temporarily involved and have no long -term influence, Frustration can arise. Young people, girls and young people from rural regions in particular often have fewer opportunities for participation.

The Villacher Initiative shows that when young people are given the opportunity to contribute their needs and wishes in an active democracy process, not only benefit from the fact that their opinions are heard, but also learn to influence the design of their surroundings. This form of participation contributes to the formation of an active, responsible generation that not only understands democracy, but also lives it.