Possible new youth hub in Palenstein
The board of mayor and aldermen wants to give the building on Rakkersveld 247 in the Palenstein neighborhood a social purpose by creating a youth hub there. This initiative should offer young people in the neighborhood a safe and inspiring meeting place.
Since the closure of the youth meeting place at 147 Rakkersveld in 2018, there is no longer a specific location for young people in Palenstein. Signals from the Youth and Safety Team and neighborhood partners and young people themselves indicate a growing need for their own meeting place. The municipality has therefore recently developed a plan for a youth hub 'Equal' together with the Foundation for Young Zoetermeer and various social and cultural organizations in the neighborhood. A youth hub can contribute to a safe and positive development of youth in the neighborhood.
Rakkersveld 247
The building on Rakkersveld 247 is a suitable location for this purpose and is currently vacant. It is located in a place where youth nuisance is experienced, so guidance and activities have an immediate effect. The location in a residential area contributes to social safety and is also centrally located and easily accessible within Palenstein.
Alderman Blansjaar (Culture): "The youth hub offers young people in Palenstein a safe place to develop and discover talents. Art and culture play an important role in this. By working together with the neighborhood, young people and local organizations, we create an inspiring environment for everyone."
Youth Hub Equal
Stichting Voor Jong Zoetermeer will be the main user and will develop a wide range of activities in cooperation with other organizations and the young people themselves. The 'Youth Hub Equal' project offers young people a safe place where they can develop their talents. There will be activities in the areas of music, lifestyle, e-sports and art & culture. In addition, cooperation is sought with neighborhood organizations to encourage encounters between young and old.
Melanie de Vries-Kromoredjo of Foundation for Young Zoetermeer: "The hub offers support in the areas of mental health, creative expression and work preparation. Young people are helped on their path to self-reliance and encouraged to take responsibility for their future. This is done by strengthening their qualities, developing cooperation skills and building social resilience. In addition, they learn values, norms and discipline so they can apply them in their daily lives and future."
The council proposal will be discussed by the city council later this year. Local residents will also be included in a participatory process before implementation begins.
