Summary

Like many other communities in rural areas, the community of Zwiefalten on the Swabian Alb, in Baden-Wuerttemberg, suffers from the fact that more and more young people leave the village and never return. Therefore, the community is inviting its young people to actively participate in shaping their environment. In a youth forum which started in 2015, the local youth developed the idea of the "Dobel-SpATZ“. This consists of a room for young people and a spacious children's playground. There is also a fitness area with barrier-free access and facilities for wheelchair users.

Results

The project, a joint venture by the community, the youth forum, committed citizens, companies and institutions, has strengthened the community’s cohesion. It has enhanced the quality of life in Zwiefalten and has made the community more attractive for visitors.

About 150 people from the village (2 000 inhabitants) helped with construction, or planted trees on the site, etc. The work was very well organised and it can be considered as an outstanding example of social cohesion.