Among the important strategic documents written as part of the project “Zgierz – a modern city after hours” there is also the “Youth Policy of the Municipality of Zgierz”. The document is intended to set the goals, directions of development and activities of the City undertaken for local youth.
The most important part of the prepared strategy are the recommendations for local government authorities, developed together with the young respondents while working on the document. What was the cycle of this work like? Focus groups were conducted in several schools in Zgierz: during meetings called “participatory cafes”, students talked about their dreams and plans, told how they saw contemporary Zgierz and what they would like to see it like in the future. They indicated important areas that require improvement in the city.
The conclusions from the “café” conversations were presented for discussion in the so-called focus groups, i.e. special teams focused on specific issues indicated by young people. These groups (six teams) also consisted mostly of representatives of the younger generation. The effects of such an in-depth analysis were assessed by scientific experts, who then – on this basis – were able to prepare a report that was the basis of the strategic document.
In parallel to the focus groups, so-called research walks took place, during which groups of several young people chose an area in the city that interested them, and then, taking research sheets with them, they mapped this place and indicated what they liked and what they didn’t like there. – This is the first time in Zgierz that someone actually asks young people for their opinion – said Adrian Pal, Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Zgierz for Youth. – The city seems to be a pioneer when it comes to such standards. This is very good, because thanks to this something can actually change.
The recommendations provided to officials included: comments on the condition of Zgierz roads, the condition of buildings and urban greenery. Young people pointed out the lack of stores of certain brands and restaurants. In response to objections to the city’s culinary zone, a Food Festival was organized, also as part of this project – an event aimed at familiarizing young people with the offer of local cafes and restaurants.
The document “Youth Policy of the City of Zgierz” was created as a result of the project “Zgierz – a modern city after hours”, co-financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 and the EEA Financial Mechanism 2024-2021 under the “Local Development” Program.
