Treibhaus Döbeln

A report about strong commitment in a small town.

Here are two short excerpts from the detailed article by Sophie Burfeind:

Democracy is also a constant balancing act in municipalities. Industrial estate or youth club? There's not enough money for everything. In Döbeln, the last municipal youth club closed last December. Construction workers then tore down the skate hall on the site of a former tobacco factory after more than 20 years. Colorful traces of graffiti can still be seen in the rubble. Parking spaces are being built in its place.

In ten years' time, there could be twice as many people over 65 living in Döbeln as under 20. The Treibhaus is one of the few places for younger people - and for some even the reason to come back.

...

Judith Schilling, 34, came back straight after her studies. She was managing director of the association and is now on the board. “We need spaces where we can think together about how we want to talk, live and act together,” she says. “That's the core of all our events and educational formats.”

Photographed for brand eins / 'FOCUS DEMOCRACY', 6+7 / 2025 / For the article "Is anybody there? Someone out there? Who is feeling like me?"

Text: Sophie Burfeind

Picture Editor: Stefan Ostermeier, Anna Kranzusch and Sarah Rubensdörffer