Published 04 October 2026 | Community

TL;DR: Around 120 young people from across Almeria gathered in Roquetas de Mar to participate in the VI Provincial Meeting of Local Childhood and Adolescence Councils, focusing on youth voices, inclusion, and the right to play.

Youth Councils Gather in Roquetas de Mar

Gathering of Young Representatives

The town of Roquetas de Mar hosted the sixth edition of the Provincial Meeting of Local Childhood and Adolescence Councils, bringing together approximately 120 children and teenagers aged 8 to 17 from various municipalities across the province. This annual event provided a unique platform for young people to share their views, discuss common concerns, and forge connections with peers from other localities.

Championing Youth Participation

Francisco G. Bellido, the regional delegate for Social Inclusion, Youth, Families, and Equality representing the Junta de Andalucia in Almeria, highlighted the significance of the gathering. He stressed that involving children in conversations about policies that affect them acknowledges their full citizenship and ensures their voices influence the shaping of their communities. The meeting aimed to empower these young attendees to express their ideas and become active participants in local decision-making processes.

Municipal Collaboration and Support

Representatives from childhood and adolescence councils in towns including Almeria, Cuevas del Almanzora, Huercal de Almeria, Roquetas de Mar, and others gathered alongside municipalities such as Adra, El Ejido, and Pulpi, which are in the process of establishing their own councils. Local authorities, like Maria Dolores Soriano, Roquetas’ councillor for Social Services and Inclusion, expressed pride in hosting the event and emphasized the importance of making young people feel valued and heard. She acknowledged the cooperation of regional bodies like the Junta de Andalucia and the Provincial Council, reinforcing the event’s role in fostering inclusive, youth-friendly communities.

Focus on Play and Inclusion

The meeting was held under the theme “Same Game, Different Realities,” a slogan chosen by the young participants themselves. It highlighted the fundamental right to play and its role in healthy physical, cognitive, creative, and emotional development. Activities centered on promoting respect, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence, while also encouraging healthy leisure opportunities across municipalities. The event provided not only a forum for debate and learning but also a space for social interaction and mutual understanding among the province’s youth.

Ongoing Commitment to Youth Engagement

Ángel Escobar, vice president and deputy for Social Welfare, Equality, and Family at the Provincial Council, underscored the unified effort of local administrations to strengthen childhood and adolescence councils as key forums for representation and participation. He noted the importance of continuing to create opportunities like this meeting to nurture reflection, social involvement, and recreational activities. This approach seeks to support the well-being and advancement of children and teenagers throughout Almeria’s communities.

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