Youth Debate Voorne aan Zee March Voorne aan Zee , 2026
Next Monday, students from the upper classes (4, 5, and 6) of Maerlant College, Penta College Jacob van Liesveldt, and Hellinium will engage in a debate with each other and with the 13 political parties participating in the municipal elections. This debate will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Atrium of Maerlant College.
Reason
Over the past year, the council has already given guest lessons at these schools (council in the classroom) and an initial debate has taken place in the council chamber. This left everyone wanting more. Debate teams from these schools have come up with their own propositions that they want to discuss with each other and with the 13 parties.
This gives students the opportunity to actively participate in political debate, express their opinions, and discuss issues that are relevant to young people and the local community.
Mayor Scheepers opens the youth debate and emphasizes the importance of giving young people a voice. "It is inspiring to see how engaged and critical our young people are. By letting them debate for themselves, we make local democracy tangible. In this way, we lay an important foundation for their future as active citizens," says Mayor Scheepers.
Afterwards, participants will receive a certificate in recognition of their active participation in this special activity. Maerlant College, which is hosting this afternoon's event, is proud of this successful collaboration with the municipality and looks forward to further initiatives to keep students involved in politics and democracy.
"These debates give our students the opportunity to put theory into practice. They learn not only how to argue, but also how to listen and discuss respectfully. That makes the debate lively and meaningful," say Dennis van de Ruit, social studies teacher at Maerlant, and Richard de Zoete (on behalf of the municipality's council communication working group).