Proposals include a higher recreational voucher and an artificial intelligence policy
The Youth Council of Reykjavík met with the Reykjavík City Council for the 25th time today. Youth Council representatives presented eight proposals on issues they consider important to young people in Reykjavík.
The proposals include an annual grant for book purchases, extended hours for swimming pools and youth centers, granting young people observer status in more specialized councils of Reykjavík City, part-time jobs for teens during the school year, developing a policy on the use of artificial intelligence in primary schools, an increase in the recreational voucher, and self-defense training in the upper grades of primary schools. An overview of the proposals to be presented to the City Council at the meeting is attached.
Further details on the proposals are available in the attachment.
Youth voices in City Council Chambers: an annual event
Reykjavík City was one of the first municipalities in Iceland to establish a youth council. The meeting between the Youth Council of Reykjavík and City Council has become an annual event. This year's meeting is the 5th. Many proposals presented at past Youth and City Council meetings have been implemented, positively impacting young people in the city. This tradition has led to increased emphasis on collaboration with young people within the City administration and on democratic practices in work with children and youth.
Weekly meetings and diverse projects
Youth Council representatives have participated in diverse and exciting projects over the past year, with the council meeting weekly during winter.
The council has representatives on the School & Recreation Council and the Children's Culture Festival board. It has followed up on City Council meeting proposals in specialized councils and committees. An annual consultation meeting is held with Strætó Public Transport representatives to discuss improvements in city public transport. The council provides feedback on various ongoing City projects and participates in collaborative projects and conferences.
Youth Council of Reykjavík: an important platform
The Youth Council of Reykjavík serves as a consultation forum for all six youth councils operating in Reykjavík's neighborhoods. Each neighborhood youth council nominates its representatives to the Youth Council of Reykjavík. The Youth Council of Reykjavík and the neighborhood youth councils aim to create a platform for people under 18 to express their opinions and suggestions, and to practice democratic processes.
The top image shows: Top row from left: Jökull Logi Sigurjónsson, Jörundur Þór Hákonarson, Indriði Nökkvi Þóreyjarson, Dagbjört Freyja Gígja. Bottom row from left: Magnús Sigurður Jónasson, Ragnheiður Gróa Elvarsdóttir, Sigríður Dúa Brynjarsdóttir, and Sjöfn Sveinsdóttir.