Respectival 2023: Kreis Kleve relies on diversity despite arrival hurdles

Respectival 2023: Kreis Kleve relies on diversity despite arrival hurdles

The Respectival Festival: Challenges for accessibility

The "Respectival" Festival, which was founded in the district of Kleve two years ago, has now played an important social role. The aim of the festival is to promote respect, tolerance and diversity in the field of youth. This year the reissue will take place on September 14th in the Fickshof in Wissel, where the festival also celebrated its premiere. However, there are some critical voices that focus on the accessibility of the festival.

municipal criticism and accessibility

In particular, the Green Group in the district council expresses concerns about the accessibility of the festival for children and adolescents who rely on public transport. Andreas Mayer, the parliamentary group leader, sums up the concerns: "Is it really realistic that children and young people have to cover an additional walk of 25 minutes when using the public transport?" He asks. This raises fundamental questions about the accessibility of public events in rural areas.

Financial support and establishment of transport options

of the city of Kleve are available for the festival around 32,000 euros from the state of North Rhine -Westphalia. Some of these money should help minimize the hurdles for participating in young people. However, the Greens criticize that the available funding is not used for the transport of young people who have no “parent taxi”. The journey remains a big hurdle for many.

response from the district administration

The district administration has already responded to the Greens' request. The answer refers to the current problems in the field of bus transfers, which cannot be set up due to cost increases. It was originally planned to tie central accommodation for refugees, but cuts of the state grants led to this step backwards.

successful first edition with many participants

Despite the current challenges, the first festival attracted around 550 visitors two years ago, which the district administration rates as a positive result. With a varied program of hands -on workshops and stage appearances, the festival offered a platform to promote the common values of respect and tolerance.

increased use for the target group

To ensure that the target group is really reached this time, the district administration is planning a comprehensive information campaign via various networks, including the youth welfare office and the municipal integration center. In addition, flyers and social media announcements should help to make the festival known and invite young people.

The Respectal Festival therefore stands for a nice event, but also for a social discussion about the accessibility and participation of all young people, regardless of their origin or their social background. The challenges are recognized and it remains to be hoped that solutions will be found to make the festival accessible to everyone.

- Nag