Decision made in Bergmiteshell will be reviewed

National Association of Social Centers and Youth Houses in Iceland (Samfés), Association of Professionals in Leisure Services in Iceland (FFF) and Association Decision and working methods of municipal authorities in Akureyri to shut down independent activities of social centers and move it entirely under the direction of the town’s elementary school.

In a statement, the municipal authorities in Akureyri are encouraged to work on all policy making and organizational changes relating to services for children and young people. The municipal authorities are asked to review their decision in active and open consultation with professionals, children and young people.

Those involved in the declaration say the town’s decision has been taken in Bergmámhell, where only have been sought and listened to the attitudes of managers and relatives of compulsory schools and those responsible for formal studies, but have not taken into account the professional work that takes place after the school ends.

Leading municipality for years

The group encourages consensus to ensure the independence and professional scope of leisure activities for children and young people in the interests of the entire community.

This can ensure continued powerful, professional and diverse youth work in the interests of prosperity and future children and young people in Akureyri.

The statement states that such decisions require a professional conversation, consultation and proven knowledge, not least in light of the fact that Akureyri town has for many years been a leading municipality in national and leisure activities nationally.

« Although the common goal of all who work with children and young people is their welfare and development, it is essential to recognize and respect the different nature of formal and informal learning.

Formal studies experts have an important role to play within the school system, but in the same way, experts in informal studies working in social centers and leisure activities are indispensable in the social development process of children and young people, ”says the group’s statement.

Against a recognized professional criterion

Those involved in the declaration believe the town’s decision goes against recognized professional criteria in youth work, where independence of social centers, free participation and democratic working methods are fundamental.

They believe the decision conflicts with the goals of prosperity, which emphasize integration, diverse and child -focused services where the voice of children and young people matters.

They believe it goes against the criteria of a child -friendly municipality, by making such systemic changes without consulting the Akureyri Youth Council.

They believe it reduces diversity and access to independent, empowering youth work that has been shown to be a key element of social skills, well -being and democratic participation of young people.

At the same time, they believe her weaken the professional work that takes place in the leisure time of children and adolescents after the school ends during the day.

From the Samfés and the Young People’s Assembly 2024.

Photo/Submitted

Weak prevention work and early intervention

The group says the decision has been taken in Bergmálmhell, where only has been sought and listened to the attitudes of managers and relatives of compulsory schools and those responsible for formal studies, but have not been taken into account the professional work that takes place after the school ends.

The group believes the decision weakens the prevention work and early intervention that takes place in social centers at the same time as there is evidence that the consumption and risk behavior of young people in Iceland is increasing.

« To incorporate social centers under the school system is not only professionally unnatural but also prudent.

Working procedures where school administrators gain control over social centers creates the risk of conflicts of interest that have caused tension for years and persistent reduction in the quality of leisure activities, ”the statement says.

The group considers it important to mention that social centers have strong roots in Akureyri and has been exemplary for other municipalities. By maintaining the independence of youth work and building on its strengths, Akureyri town can continue to be at the forefront.

« We encourage the government, municipalities and other stakeholders to respect and support the expertise of professionals in leisure activities and informal studies just as done with teachers and other professionals in formal education.

We therefore call on the municipal authorities to review their decision in active and open consultation with professionals, children and young people. This can ensure continued powerful, professional and diverse youth work in the interests of prosperity and future children and young people in Akureyri. «