Eight young people recently received The Hague Youth Medal. The Youth Medal is an annual award for young people who have made a special contribution to the city in the past year. Mayor Jan van Zanen presented seven medals in Theater Diligentia, in the presence of proud parents, friends and family. One young person could not be there and will receive the medal later.
The Hague Youth Ribbons have been awarded since 2009 to children and young people who have achieved something special in the city in the past year. The Hague Youth Ribbon is awarded to three age groups: 6 to 12 years, 13 to 17 years and 18 to 22 years.
Mayor Van Zanen: “All these young people are a source of inspiration for young and old. They selflessly dedicate themselves to The Hague and their fellow citizens. They deserve the Youth Ribbon twice over, just as they are there for the city and the people of The Hague. I am very proud of them.”
The following eight young people received a Youth Medal:
Chiel Rijkers (9) has, together with the enforcement and the police, set up a cleaning project to keep the streets of The Hague clean. Chiel also helps out as a waste guard. This project makes people more aware of the waste that is left behind and Chiel, together with other children, ensures a clean neighborhood.
Hugo Nieuwenburg (13) is committed to activities of Jeugdwerk Wijkz Mariahoeve with a lot of positive energy. For example, Hugo helps at the festival ‘De Beleving’, the open-air cinema, Haags Ontmoeten and during graffiti workshops. He is always there for people in the neighborhood, also after the terrible drama at the Tarwekamp. Through his selfless efforts, Hugo inspires others to make a valuable contribution to society.
Thomas Corstjens (14) helps out at the Noorderhaghe residents’ association with various activities and events, such as the neighbourhood day and outdoor play day. He thinks it is important to connect with people. Thomas likes to take the initiative and motivates other children to help out with the neighbourhood association’s activities. He was previously nominated for the volunteer award.
Esmee van den Berg (14) has been a volunteer at Manage Madurodam for a number of years. Esmee supervises disabled children during lessons. She then walks along in the groups, or goes to the forest or to the beach. Esmee also wants to work with children later and is currently looking into the possibility of following an MBO4 training to become a Specialized Pedagogical Employee.
Ginika Ijomah (18) is involved as an expert by experience in several advisory boards to represent the voice of children in poverty. This underexposed target group is heard through her efforts. She can express her opinion well and substantiates it strongly. Ginika is active in the Hague Council of Children at Stichting Leergeld Den Haag. In addition, Ginika conducts research on child poverty in The Hague. With her efforts, Ginika tries to use her experiences to give young people of today and tomorrow a better future.
Brighton Manniesing (19) helps others with loneliness. For example, he gives meditation and coaching to people who are not feeling well for whatever reason. As a walking ambassador, he organizes walks to help the elderly live healthier. In his spare time, he also likes to cook for the elderly in the nursing home. Brighton is seen as an example by young and old, because he converts his learning deficit into positive energy.
Louis Einar van Dijk (21) is responsible for the junior section of the water scouting MacDonald group. Despite challenges with identity, Louis manages to set up new, fun activities every week with a changing group of staff members and volunteers. Louis wants everyone to have a good time at scouting. Louis’ contribution has led to changes in the conversation about gender and low-threshold policy is being developed in this area within the association. With quality, continuity and energy, Louis is ready for the association twice a week.
Oumaima Fadlaoui (21) is a volunteer at Stichting2gather and is committed to activities and collaborations in The Hague. She ensures connections and meetings with different target groups. For example, she contributes to offering activities in a nursing home for the elderly and helps organize indoor soccer and kickboxing for young children. As a buddy for the ‘resilient youth’ project, Oumaima has also exchanged ideas with vulnerable young people to contribute to the neighborhood. She is committed to making a difference in someone else’s life.
Text: Gemeente Den Haag, translated into English by The Hague Online
Images: Young people who received the Hague youth medals with Mayor Jan van Zanen. Photographer: Fleur Beemster