Eighth-grade classes from elementary schools in Voorschoten play the municipal council game "Democracity"
Build a hospital? Construct a solar farm? Or perhaps arrange for additional parking spaces? Grade 7/8 at the Emmaus School was the first to step into the shoes of the city council today. During the city council game “Democracity,” they learned about the work of city council members and what it’s like to make decisions. In the coming weeks, the 8th-grade classes from the other elementary schools in Voorschoten will have their turn to play the game in the council chamber of City Hall.
During Democracity, the students take their seats in the council chamber at city hall and build the “empty” village of Voorschoten. They can choose amenities such as windmills, a supermarket, or even a new soccer field. During the game, the students form political parties together and determine their positions. Finally, during a simulated council meeting complete with an interjection microphone and debate, they vote on each other’s proposals.
Elementary school students can learn about local democracy through this fun and interactive activity. Mayor Stemerdink: “We’re really excited that all the schools are participating again. It’s starting to become a wonderful annual tradition, and the teachers are enthusiastic about it, too. Who knows—maybe the kids will even motivate their parents to run for office in next year’s municipal elections!”
More information about Democracity is available on the Prodemos website at.