During a festive gathering at Theater Diligentia recently, Mayor Jan van Zanen presented the Hague Youth Ribbons to young people who make a special contribution to others, their neighborhood, and the city.
In total, twenty young people received the Hague Youth Ribbon, each with a personal note from the mayor. This included a note about their talent, what they excel at, or exactly what makes them so special and valuable. The Youth Ribbon is a recognition of their social commitment and an encouragement to continue this work. The mayor presented the ribbons in the presence of proud parents, friends, and family. Two young people were unable to attend and will receive their ribbons later.
Youth Ribbon
The Hague Youth Ribbons have been awarded annually since 2009 to children and young people who achieved a special accomplishment in the city the previous year. The Hague Youth Ribbon is available for three age groups: 6 to 12, 13 to 17, and 18 to 23.
Mayor Van Zanen: “So many wonderful things are happening in our city, and that is partly thanks to people like these young people. Young people who dedicate themselves to others with full enthusiasm and dare to speak out. These young people show how much strength, creativity, and solidarity there is in The Hague – and for that, they deserve a full stage.”
Children’s and Teen Council Moerwijk
This year presented an exceptional situation: a group of twelve (young) youths jointly received the Youth Ribbon. The Moerwijk Children’s and Teen Council was honored for their group achievement, involvement in their neighborhood, and strong mutual bond. Van Zanen: “You demonstrate not only what collaboration is, but also that together you can achieve things that are too big to accomplish on your own. What binds you is that you have a strong bond and are enormously loyal to one another. People like you ensure that Moerwijk is truly a home for many residents.”
The young people are committed to safety in the neighborhood, organize campaigns for homeless people, support single parents, and contribute to initiatives such as the wish ambulance and summer activities with the Zuiderparktheater. They also organized a photo exhibition about the different cultures in Moerwijk, demonstrating how diversity can connect.
Text & images: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online
