Transforming Care for Youth in 160 Parks of Vienna Starting from May
GOING GREEN AND GETTING ACTIVE: FREE AFTERNOON FUN IN OVER 160 VIENNA PARKS
Starting this May, an exciting new initiative is taking root in the heart of Vienna. Over 160 parks, schools, sports, and residential facilities will become hubs for free, voluntary after-school activities for children and youth aged 6 and up. Equipped with a team of 260 enthusiastic and qualified staff, these facilities will offer a smorgasbord of activities, from sports and playtime to creative projects, excursions, tournaments, museum trips, or pool visits.
These afternoons are more than just fun and games; they embody the essence of our democratic society. As Vice Mayor Bettina Emmerling puts it, "when children and young people gather in our parks, they engage with the cornerstones of our society - respect, participation, and diversity. The park care workers are vital, fostering social cohesion and encouraging educational growth in everyday life while making our city an engaging, moldable, and equitable space for our youth."
JOINING FORCES: OPEN YOUTH WORK
The park care initiative is a vital component of Vienna's Open Youth Work, grounded in a professional social pedagogical concept. Beyond play and sports, active listening, support, and participation are central to the program. In cases of worry or difficulty, the teams refer affected individuals to appropriate support services.
The park care workers play a crucial role in cultivating harmonious relations among various generations and cultures within Vienna's parks. Whether it's children, their parents, accompanying persons, or senior citizens, everyone is invited to join in the activities of Vienna's park care. Through shared play and conversations, we foster a more cohesive, prejudice-free, and inclusive society.
While specific details about the park care program's eligibility, participating parks, and program offerings remain to be announced, Vienna's commitment to the well-being and development of its youth continues to shine bright, with initiatives such as the Local Agenda 21, which fosters youth involvement in designing public parks and community gardens. Yet, park care stands alone as a unique, free, and accessible way for young people to engage with their city in a meaningful and enjoyable fashion. Stay tuned for more details as the countdown to May commences!
The Open Youth Work in Vienna, encompassing over 160 parks, embraces not only sports and playtime but also encourages a lifestyle that fosters social cohesion and educational growth. Home-and-garden projects might even be part of this initiative, as seen in the Local Agenda 21, which promotes youth involvement in public parks and community gardens.
