In recent weeks, the changes in Hoyerswerda have been discussed not only in conference rooms or on panels but directly where the future sits: in the classroom. As part of the format „Town Hall Visiting OSHY“ the city administration was regularly a guest during the lunchtime period at Hoyerswerda Secondary School (OSHY) to engage in conversations with pupils about local issues, developments, and prospects.
Lunchtime Period? What Is That Exactly?
Since the founding of OSHY in 2020, this special time slot has become an integral part of the school day. Here, the more than 450 young people can set their own priorities, discover new things, and make contact with representatives from the city, businesses, or voluntary organisations. It is a kind of mini elective subject with real practical relevance — voluntary, but with great added value.
And right in the middle: the Town Hall.
From the end of April until mid-June, employees of the city administration took over the “lessons” once a week. It was not about statutes or administrative templates, but about real issues from everyday city life:
Even Mayor Torsten Ruban-Zeh and Deputy Mayor Mirko Pink were on hand to answer questions directly and without detours. The pupils from classes 7 to 9 took the opportunity to ask their own questions and openly discuss future issues affecting their city.
Why all this?
Change must be explained, experienced, and shaped. And this works best through personal conversation—on equal terms and right in the midst of people’s everyday lives. The discussions at OSHY have shown just how great young people’s interest in their city is when they are listened to and taken seriously.
What’s next?
One thing is clear: this was not the last time. The city administration is already planning to continue the initiative in the next school year. Because communication is not a one-way street. And the transformation in Hoyerswerda needs exactly this kind of dialogue.
Translated by AI
