The voices put to use at the first Children’s Congress of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður

The first Children’s Congress of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður was held this morning at the Scout Center. Children from grades 5–7 in the town’s primary schools took part.

“This is the first time that middle-school students from all neighborhoods of Hafnarfjörður have had the opportunity to come together and make their voices heard. This is a big step, and you are part of it,” said Elísa Axelsdóttir, Chair of the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council, as she welcomed the Children’s Congress of Hafnarfjörður in her opening address.

This first Children’s Congress of Hafnarfjörður was held at the Hraunbúar Scout Center by Víðistaðatún. The program was full. After the opening address, table work began where the young people reviewed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and held discussions. They then received refreshments before resuming their work. They concluded the day with lunch, which was of course pizza.

The Youth Council is a forum for young people aged 13–18 to present their views to the appropriate bodies within the municipal administration.

“It is incredibly important to have a voice and to use it. We in the Youth Council have experienced this ourselves, for example when we took part in a city council proposal meeting and presented our ideas. That experience showed us that what we have to say truly matters and that we are listened to,” she said.

“It is also good to know about the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council, which works to bring the perspectives of young people forward. When you move on to lower secondary school, you will have the opportunity to apply to be part of that work and have even greater influence,” she said.

She encouraged the young people to remember that all ideas are good. “No idea is too small or too strange. Use your voices, say what you think, and take part. The results of the day will be used to make Hafnarfjörður an even better town for children and young people to live in.”

We echo Elísa’s closing words: “Enjoy the day, take part, and have fun.”