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Children's Participation
What is Children's
Participation?
Children’s Participation is not a project, it is not
event based; it is a running theme
through every action or intervention and it requires a major
paradigm shift. The understanding of participation and the way it is
translated into action varies and seems to be defined by the
socio-cultural context of the child and the ideological frame
surrounding this understanding. However, it is important to arrive at a
culturally neutral definition of children’s participation, where the
principles are common, though the manifestations may vary according to
the situation of children.
When Children’s Participation is seen within the
frame of protagonism it takes on another dimension. The right and the
ability to advocate on one’s own behalf, to be in control and to be a
part of decision making processes and interventions. This form of
participation of children and youth enhances the concept of civil
society participation and strengthens democratic processes.
Adults can play a proactive role if they wish to
enable children’s participation. However, in order to perform this role
adequately, adults need to prepare themselves. This has to be done with
utmost seriousness and honesty. And perhaps the first lesson is that
adults will have to unlearn many things before they can ‘learn’.
To enable children’s participation to happen
constructively and effectively and in a way that is positive for
children, they need to be empowered. The three essential elements of
empowerment are:
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An organisation or
forum
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Access to and use of
relevant information
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Access to resources
(structural, material, human and financial).
For more information on
children's participation, please click here:
A Journey in Children's Participation
Structures to enable
children's participation as developed and now facilitated by CWC:
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