9. Learn young, thrive for life

In a strong city, every generation must be able to participate. Yet opportunities are already unevenly distributed from an early age, and the city is too often not designed with older residents in mind. EVE finds this unacceptable. A city that wants to move forward takes good care of both young and old. We invest in equal opportunities for children and ensure that older residents can continue to live independently and with dignity. Generations do not stand in opposition to one another; they strengthen one another. That requires clear choices and sustained commitment. In this way, everyone has perspective and no one is written off.

1. Equal Opportunities for Every Child, in Every Neighborhood

We combat inequality of opportunity from an early age. Additional support goes to neighborhoods and schools where disadvantages are greatest, so that every child has the same chance to develop, regardless of income or background.

2. Enriched School Days as the Standard

Education does not stop when the bell rings. We make enriched school days the norm, with space for sports, culture, homework support, technology, and social interaction. We also provide warm meals at schools. In this way, children gain more than academic knowledge and inequalities outside school hours are reduced.

3. Strong Early Childhood Education and a Good Start

We invest in early childhood education and accessible childcare so that language and developmental delays are addressed at an early stage. These services must also be financially accessible. We create sufficient places, cooperate with international communities, and actively address staff shortages. In addition, we support and inform expectant parents and young families through parenting guidance and assistance, ensuring children get a strong start. A strong start prevents larger problems later in life.

4. Continuous Support and Real Influence for Young People

Youth support services and youth work professionals understand what is happening among young people and will therefore be structurally involved in policy and decision-making. This ensures that choices align better with reality. At the same time, support will not end abruptly at the age of eighteen but will continue where necessary. This prevents young people from falling through the cracks and offers them perspective on a stable and secure transition into adulthood.

5. Supporting Teachers as the Backbone of Education

Quality education begins with strong and supported teachers. We give teachers priority access to affordable housing in the city and ensure sufficient and reasonably priced parking permits around schools, so that they are not disproportionately affected by high parking fees or car-restrictive policies. In this way, working in Eindhoven’s education sector becomes attractive and feasible.

6. A Stronger Transition from School to Work

We ensure robust learning and working pathways, quality internships, and effective guidance into employment, with special attention for young people at risk of dropping out. Youth work organizations and the business community are actively involved, and we begin this support as early as possible. Learning young also means entering sustainable employment.

7. Suitable Housing for Seniors and Better Housing Mobility

We invest in sufficient senior housing, spread across the city and close to facilities. This improves housing mobility and allows older residents to continue living in homes that suit their needs. Targeted investment in senior housing is essential, and here too the municipal development corporation will play an important role.

8. Keeping Older Residents Mobile and Independent

We expand free or affordable public transport for seniors and ensure accessible mobility. This enables older residents to remain active, socially connected, and independent.

9. Encouraging Intergenerational Connection

Older residents possess knowledge, experience, and insight that are of great value for policy and implementation. We involve seniors structurally in decision-making on issues that affect them, such as housing, care, mobility, and livability. We also encourage initiatives where older residents can contribute their experience to the city, for example as mentors, volunteers, or experts by experience, without making this obligatory or burdensome. Where appropriate, we promote interaction and cooperation between generations so that knowledge and experience are passed on and social cohesion is strengthened.

10. Accessible Care and Support for Older Residents

Care and support will be organized as close to home as possible, with attention to loneliness, mental health, and practical daily assistance. Informal caregivers play an indispensable role and will therefore receive better support, respite care, and recognition, enabling them to continue their responsibilities without becoming overburdened. Growing older in Eindhoven means being seen and supported, with care that aligns with what people need to live independently and with dignity for as long as possible.

11. Passing on Values, History, and Dialogue Between Generations

We teach young people from an early age about the values of our city, such as freedom, democracy, and equality, and about Eindhoven’s wartime history. We work together with organizations such as the Hornemann House, schools, different communities, and social institutions. Through stories, dialogue, and encounters, including with older residents who share their experiences and life lessons, we bring history and values to life. In this way, we strengthen understanding, resilience, and connection between generations.