Practical politics lessons before the holidays

Shortly before the summer holidays, pupils from class 5d at Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium, accompanied by their politics teacher Marvin Morchel and practical semester student Tim Wilde, made a trip to the town hall.

21 June 2023
Mayor with children's group
  • Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich is bombarded with questions in his office.
Group picture in front of the town hall
The 5d with trainee Tim Wilde, Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich and their teacher Marvin Morchel.

Here, they were first welcomed by Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich, who spoke about his path to becoming mayor and his goals as a public official. For example, the head of administration has taken on school development planning in the area of education. Challenges here include the planned statutory entitlement to a place in an open all-day school and the school reform from G8 to G9. Another focus is municipal climate and environmental protection. The children missed the opportunity to buy toys in the city centre. Gerdhenrich was able to tell them that a bookshop had recently expanded its range to include toys.

Marriage and more: The registrar discusses the tasks of the registry office.
Marriage and more: The registrar discusses the tasks of the registry office.

Next stops: Citizens' office and registry office
After a lively exchange with the mayor, the school class learnt from Mareike Berkhoff what can be done at the citizens' office. Among other things, citizens can apply for and collect identity documents there. The registrar then took the children to the registry office's wedding room. To get married, you have to be at least 18 years old, she explained. Couples can get married at several locations, for example in the city museum. However, the registry office is not only responsible for weddings, but also for registering births and bereavements.

This gave the pupils an exciting and informative insight into the work of the administration before they can now enjoy their holidays.