Mortsel (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mortsel’s City Hall will host a Children’s Council starting November 23, 2025. 5th and 6th grade children can join for 2 years, advising on school safety, leisure activities, and community issues.
As GVA News reported, renovations at Mortsel City Hall, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, are nearly complete. When finished, the building will have a dedicated space for the city’s children’s council. The council allows children to share ideas and give input on matters that affect their community.
The city said the initiative aims to involve young residents in decision-making. It also gives children a chance to learn responsibility and teamwork while participating in local projects. Officials said the council will help include children’s voices in city plans.
What is Mortsel’s children’s municipality council for grades 5–6?
Children in 5th and 6th grades at schools in Mortsel can apply to join the council for a 2-year term. Applications will be coordinated through the schools. Children who live in Mortsel but study outside the city can also apply. They can send their interest by email to inspraak@mortsel.be.
The city will start its first Children’s Legislature on November 23, 2025, which will continue until June 30, 2027. Members of the Children’s Council will meet to discuss and advise the city on matters that affect children.
They want to include safe school attendance, exciting and enjoyable leisure activities and other matters or issues affecting the everyday lives and well-being of children. Council members must attend at least 3 meetings at their assigned school, identified in their membership agreement per school year.
Participants must also get consent from a parent or guardian. There will also be an introductory meeting on September 24, 2025, where they will learn about what members do, meet with some city officials, and understand the workings of a council.
The concept of a Children’s Council in the city was first introduced in early 2024 as part of a plan to involve young residents in decision-making. The city council officially approved the initiative in June 2024, setting out rules, responsibilities, and the selection process for members. Preparations began later that year to recruit and guide council members.
