Its primary strategic goal is to shape the living and learning conditions in Salzgitter in such a way that children and families feel completely at ease. Child and family friendliness are expressed in the new city logo as well as in numerous concrete steps towards a stronger family policy. This explicitly includes a harmonious coexistence of young and old for mutual benefit.
Family policy in Salzgitter starts with the youngest. They are lovingly cared for and supported in the crèches. An additional third caregiver in each crèche group, financed by the city of Salzgitter, guarantees optimal care.
Since August 2008, all children in Salzgitter have been able to attend a daycare center free of charge from their third birthday until they start school. In this way, all children are cared for, educated and supported according to their needs. This high-quality early childhood and pre-school support gives all children a successful start to their school career.
A diverse school landscape with primary, secondary and intermediate schools, grammar schools, integrated comprehensive schools, Christian schools, vocational schools and a university of applied sciences characterizes Salzgitter as a city of learning. Institutions such as the municipal music school, Volkshochschule, Salder Castle Municipal Museum, libraries as well as the junior university, family education centers and other independent educational institutions offer everyone the opportunity to engage in general education, music, culture and art, science and technology or socio-political activities.
In well over 100 clubs, Salzgitter residents young and old are active in sports. The spectrum ranges from ball games, martial arts and health sports to water and ice sports. Both the sports clubs and all other associations, organizations and institutions that organize leisure activities with and for children and young people receive grants for this purpose from a city fund that has been increased by 100,000 euros.
Children and adolescents can also enjoy a variety of activities in 12 children's and youth clubs and on the city's 100 playgrounds. One of the most attractive playgrounds is located on Salzgittersee. On 4,500 square meters, the pirate playground with ships, slide tower, water playground, sand and climbing areas fascinates girls and boys. Other attractions for young and old make Salzgittersee a very pleasant place to spend time.
There are public sports fields where you can play a game of bowls, the water ski facility attracts active people and spectators, swimming islands make the bathing areas attractive, a disc golf course offers exercise for everyone, and you can surf, sail, fish, dive, cycle, jog or take a leisurely stroll on and around the lake.
The indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the thermal brine pool and the graduation house also make Salzgitter attractive for families.
Every year, children from Salzgitter spend adventurous vacations and camps at the city's own vacation camp on the North Sea on the island of Neuwerk. In 2011, the popular camp, which is open to everyone, celebrated its 50th birthday.
The initiative of Mayor Frank Klingebiel to make Salzgitter one of the most child- and family-friendly learning cities under the motto "Promoting children and supporting families" has already become a matter close to the hearts of many people in Salzgitter. This close cooperation between everyone for children and families was made possible when Mayor Klingebiel appointed the first and initially only Children and Family Commissioner in Lower Saxony. The Children and Families Commissioner is an advocate for children and families in Salzgitter. She represents children's rights, involves children and families, listens to their questions and wishes, provides information, establishes contacts and acts as an intermediary. She develops and supports projects.
An eloquent expression of this cooperation are events that focus on child and family-friendly offers. For example, the "Salzgitter spielt" ("Salzgitter Plays") campaign has become established every year on World Children's Day. The members of the family alliance "Leben mit Kindern" (Living with Children) invite families to play activities together with the children's commissioner and draw attention to themselves and their offers. Together with various providers of vacation programs, Salzgitter starts the summer vacations with an action-packed kick-off event and information on vacation passes, vacation tickets and vacation activities in the facilities.
The events and activities for children and families are as varied as the participants. Institutions, clubs, associations, organizations, district offices, merchants' advertising associations and many more organize festivals and are reliable partners who bring the idea of a child- and family-friendly learning city to life.