The 18th German Child and Youth Welfare Day (DJHT) ended at the Leipzig Exhibition Center with an impressive record number of visitors. Under the motto "Because it's about the whole: making democracy and participation a reality!", numerous specialist events dedicated three days to strengthening democracy and the future of young people. With around 30,000 visitors, the DJHT sent a strong signal for a successful upbringing, equal opportunities and equal participation.
Vicki Felthaus, Youth Mayor of Leipzig, was enthusiastic about the commitment and lasting impetus of the event. "The DJHT made it clear what a significant contribution child and youth welfare makes to equal opportunities. The values of democracy and the situation of young people after the pandemic were highlighted in serious discussions. I hope that the insights and innovations gained will be incorporated into everyday working life with children and young people," she explained.
About 300 specialist events set innovative accents and offered space for intensive professional exchange. Leipzig enriched the day with seven of its own and five co-organized events, which represented a diverse spectrum of the child and youth welfare landscape. Projects such as the House of Youth Law, the student multiplier project Free your mind for addiction prevention, the Careleaverkollektiv, the StadtSchülerRat and the child and family centers met with great interest on a representative exhibition area. The Family Council project and the Family Info Office also introduced themselves. Federal Minister Karin Prien and Saxon State Minister Petra Köpping graced the presentation area right at the start.
In conclusion, Silko Kamphausen, Head of the Office for Youth and Family, emphasized the significance of the summit: "The Youth Welfare Day sends a strong signal beyond Leipzig. It shows that we are listening, acting and investing in the future of our children. It is our shared responsibility to offer every young person fair opportunities and reliable support. The summit made it clear how high the demands are in this area and that quality requires political commitment and continuity."
