Visit from Sweden: Municipality of Haninge at Bildung Nijmegen

From 18 to 21 August 2025, we welcomed four colleagues from the Youth Department of the Municipality of Haninge (Sweden): two managers, an international coordinator and a youth worker. Their visit was part of a study & work visit within Erasmus+, focused on exchanging knowledge and experiences on youth policy and youth participation.

In Nijmegen we introduced them to several partners and initiatives:

• JIP (Youth Inclusion & Participation, HAN University of Applied Sciences)

  
  

  At JIP, our guests saw how research, education and youth participation come together. Students, young people and researchers collaborate on issues rooted in young people’s own daily lives. Youth are not just participants but co-researchers and co-creators. Examples include I Spy With My Little Eye (children exploring their own environment), Space for Girls (creating safe spaces for girls in public areas), and Student Caregivers (support for students with caregiving responsibilities). This way, JIP generates not only knowledge, but also tangible improvements for and with young people.

• Talks with senior youth policymakers of the Municipality of Nijmegen

  
  

  These discussions gave insight into how Nijmegen shapes its youth policy. The focus was on ensuring that young people are not just a target group but are actively involved in policymaking. The guests learned how the municipality works structurally with youth and organisations to design policies that truly reflect their needs.

• Meeting with a youth worker in the neighbourhood

  
  

  During a field visit, the delegation learned how outreach youth work is organised in Nijmegen. The youth worker shared methods for reaching less visible young people and building activities together with them. This exchange highlighted how daily practice directly strengthens trust and engagement among youth.

• JongerenLab Nijmegen

  
  

  JongerenLab is a space where young people take the lead. They design and run their own activities, from creative projects to social campaigns. Youth explained how this empowers them to turn ideas into action, gain new skills and increase their influence in the city. The Lab shows that youth participation is not only about having a voice, but also about taking real action.

• Eerlijke Jongeren voor Ouderen (Honest Youth for the Elderly)

  
  

  This initiative bridges generations. Young people organise activities with and for older citizens, ranging from practical support to shared events. The result is reduced loneliness, stronger connections and new friendships. The Swedish visitors spoke with both young and older participants and saw the direct social impact of this initiative.

• SpelSlotDND

  
  

  This youth-led initiative demonstrates how games can foster inclusion. Through Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop games, young people create a safe and welcoming community space. They shared how it not only provides fun, but also helps them build social skills, friendships and a sense of belonging. The guests experienced how a grassroots idea can grow into a sustainable meeting place.

In addition to the working programme, we also showed our guests a little of our beautiful city of Nijmegen — the oldest city in the Netherlands. From historic sites along the Waal river to the vibrant cultural life in the city centre, it gave them a sense of the local context in which our youth work and initiatives take place.

The visit provided valuable insights for both cities. For Nijmegen, it was an opportunity to showcase how young people are actively engaged in research, policy and initiatives. For Haninge, it offered inspiration to bring home new ideas. Together we continue to strengthen our European network where youth participation and inclusion are at the core.

Youth Work Exchange: Haninge – Nijmegen 2025 Study visit - 2024-1-SE02-KA151-

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