Children's Mayor

The voice of the youth in Geldrop-Mierlo!

The children's mayor represents all children in our municipality and thinks along about what is important for young inhabitants. Together with the mayor and aldermen, he or she may attend special events and work on their own projects to make Geldrop-Mierlo even more child-friendly. A unique opportunity to really make a difference!

We are currently in the process of recruiting a new children's mayor for school year 2025 - 2026. 

What does the process look like? 

  • Children can apply from March 31 to May 25, 2024.
  • On May 26, the jury will make a selection from all entries.
    The jury consists of:
    The Mayor and Alderman Youth
    The Youth Council
    Representation from the council
    Youth & Education Policy Advisor
  • On June 5, 2025 between 3:30 and 5 p.m., the Alderman Youth and an employee of the municipality will conduct interviews with the most suitable candidates.
  • The children's mayor will be installed at a council meeting on Sept. 15, 2025.
  • The children's mayor will start in September 2025 and work during the school year

From the municipality you will be guided so that you enjoy performing this role. We also expect some guidance from the parents. Every month we check together whether activities fit into your schedule and where support is needed.

Questions? Contact us at kinderburgemeester@geldrop-mierlo.nl.

Children's mayor Stan van Steenbergen in action

Podcast TabooTalks - Together Against Bullying

As part of Stan's mission to combat bullying, Stan and Alderman Sanders engaged in a conversation with the creators of TabooTalks. For example, about stimulating statements like "Bullying is a normal part of growing up. Listen back to the podcast via Spotify. 

Stan van Steenbergen new children's mayor of Geldrop-Mierlo

During the council meeting on September 16, 2024, Stan van Steenbergen was officially installed as the second children's mayor of Geldrop-Mierlo. During the school year, ten-year-old Stan will go out as children's mayor with the mayor and aldermen to represent the voice of youth. He will also work on a self-chosen project aimed at combating bullying.

Stan lives in Geldrop and is in grade 7 at Beneden Beekloop elementary school. In his spare time he plays field hockey, likes to play soccer with friends and likes gaming. As children's mayor Stan wants to work against bullying and discrimination. He wants to draw attention to these important issues and hopes to make a difference. Alderman Sanders speaks with enthusiasm about the appointment: "Stan, our second children's mayor, gets a great opportunity to grow personally and carry out his important project with passion. I am sure that, through his input, Geldrop-Mierlo will also become an even more child-friendly municipality in the coming year."

Stan takes over the role and chain from the first children's mayor, Annalot van Neerven. Alderman Sanders looks back on the past school year with satisfaction, "Our municipality has had a fantastic children's mayor this past year. Annalot has shown that children can play an important role in ceremonial tasks. This shows that there is a lot happening in the municipality that is of interest to children. Annalot's own project, a very successful car-free play afternoon that will now have a permanent place on our agenda, shows that children have good ideas, deserve a say and are an integral part of our local democracy. I look forward to the coming year!"

Want to invite the children's mayor to something or have questions? Please contact us at kinderburgemeester@geldrop-mierlo.nl.