Youth Awards
A great number of young people in Maastricht go the extra mile for their friends, family, an organisation, charity or neighbourhood. They have a positive impact on their surroundings and on Maastricht as a city of connectedness. The municipality presents the Youth Awards each year to recognise these young heroes. Young people aged between 6 and 18 can be nominated for a Youth Award.
2024 Youth Awards
2 Youth Awards were presented on Thursday 13 June 2024. Tessa Hermans (17) and Tibbe Breuls (12) both received a 2024 Youth Award. Tessa was honoured for her extensive work with the music group Harmonie Kunst door Oefening, while Tibbe was recognised for his volunteer work with Aansjuive in Itteren. This organisation provides a monthly 3-course meal for elderly people and singles aged 60 and over.
Festive Award Ceremony
Manon Fokke - member of the municipal executive - and deputy child mayor Adam Mezian presented the Maastricht Youth Awards on Thursday, 13 June. Neither Tessa nor Tibbe knew about the award when they arrived at the town hall. Both were nominated and selected for a Youth Award, but were brought to the Town Hall under false pretences. There, they were met with an official ceremony, which included the award, a certificate and a gift voucher.
Contributions to Maastricht
Tessa and Tibbe each contribute to a social and united Maastricht in their own unique ways.
- Tessa is a musical prodigy who started with the music group Harmonie Kunst door Oefening at a young age. She plays the harp, snare drum, and timpani/xylophone. Besides her musical dedication, she helps the association by organising events such as bingo nights, youth activities and concerts. Additionally, Tessa has raised the association's profile by creating and managing a TikTok account. Tessa is a role model for other young people, demonstrating commitment to the music group and staying involved. She also inspires older generations with her enthusiasm and dedication to music. The committee believes Tessa deserves a Youth Award for inspiring both young and old, not only through her musical pursuits but also through her organisational efforts to connect young people with the music group.
- Tibbe has been volunteering with the group Aansjuive in Itteren for 3 years, despite his young age. This group provides a monthly 3-course meal for elderly people and singles aged 60 and above (for a small fee). Tibbe distributes flyers, sets the tables, arranges the plates, prepares salads and desserts, serves meals and helps with cleaning and washing up. Tibbe also helps his single grandmother by mowing the lawn, shopping for groceries and keeping her company to prevent loneliness. The committee is impressed by how Tibbe takes responsibility and unites different generations at such a young age. The selection committee was unanimous in its decision that Tibbe deserves a Youth Award.
“It is wonderful to once again celebrate 2 young heroes of Maastricht. Tessa and Tibbe contribute to our city in extraordinary ways and they have my highest praise" said Manon Fokke, member of the municipal executive.
Selection Committee
The winners were chosen from all the nominations by the selection committee. This year, the selection committee included Jos Boelen, Ria Strik, Ria Makatita and Siem Verkoijen (members of the municipal council), Claire van den Bosch (youth worker at Trajekt) and Dunya Jongen (Youth Award winner 2023).
