Grade 8 classes play the municipal council game "Democracity"
The 8th-grade students from Gevers Deynoot and De Vink elementary schools visited City Hall today. There, they played the children’s city council game, Democracity. In the council chamber, they learned in a fun, interactive way how local government works.
The students learned about decision-making and asked questions of the council members. The other elementary schools will also be coming to play Democracity in the council chamber soon.
Filling in the "empty" parts of Voorschoten
During Democracity, students can build up a “blank” version of Voorschoten. They form their own political parties and decide what matters most to them. For example, they might choose to build schools, a sports field, or a hospital. They then try to convince the other parties why these facilities really need to be built in the still-empty village. In a simulated council meeting—complete with debate and voting—they reach decisions together.
Special Focus on Municipal Elections
This year, Democracity is placing special emphasis on the municipal elections. This way, students learn why their parents vote and how that affects Voorschoten. Mayor Nadine Stemerdink: “Children are the future! It’s really great that they get to experience what it’s like to serve on the city council with their class. Maybe they’ll even help their parents decide how to vote in the municipal elections on March 18!”
Want to know more?
For more information about Democracity, visit the Prodemos website: https://prodemos.nl/programmas/democracity/.