100 Years of the Erlangen City Youth Welfare Office—Inspiration and Encounters

Under the theme “100 Years of the Erlangen City Youth Welfare Office—Inspiration and Encounters,” numerous current and former employees, partners, and representatives from politics and government gathered to celebrate the anniversary together.

Right at the start, guests were taken on an exciting journey through time spanning the past 100 years. A specially produced film showcased defining events from 1926 to 2026, highlighted key developments in the city of Erlangen, and traced the history of the Youth Welfare Office. Historical reenactments featuring actors in period costumes further brought the individual eras to life and made them tangible.

The director of the City Youth Welfare Office, Kerstin Knörl, opened the event together with the chair of the Youth Welfare Committee, Andrea Winner. In their welcoming remarks, they emphasized the special importance of close cooperation between the administration and the Youth Welfare Committee. Mayor Jörg Volleth then highlighted the central role of child and youth welfare in the upbringing of young people in Erlangen.

There was also no shortage of expert insights: Dr. Christian Lüders, Chair of the State Youth Welfare Committee, drew attention to the growing demands placed on youth welfare offices and urged policymakers to continue prioritizing funding for youth welfare. In her expert presentation, Prof. Dr. Jutta Harrer-Amersdorffer shed light on the current situation of children and adolescents and the future challenges facing child and youth welfare services.

The insights into the practical work of youth welfare services were particularly impressive. A video from the KoKi counseling center showed how families in various life situations are supported. A former client of residential youth welfare services also shared moving personal insights, describing the vital role that support from the youth welfare office played in her successful life journey.

Two children’s groups provided the musical entertainment: a class from the Pestalozzi Elementary School and children from the learning centers on Zeiß Street and Max-Planck Street delighted the audience with the songs “Das Licht” and “Streitlied.”

Amid stimulating conversations and many personal encounters, the anniversary event came to a successful close. The guests took many ideas and inspirations back with them to their own communities.