Children's Voices Part 3 -- Children and Young People as Valued Citizens and Learners

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of including children's voices in community decision-making. It highlights the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children's rights to express opinions on matters affecting them. The script calls for genuine engagement beyond tokenism, recognizing children as valuable contributors to society. It also praises South Korea's progressive approach to children's participation and the benefits of a child-friendly community for resource allocation and planning.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The importance of collective effort is emphasized by the saying 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'
• 👧 The necessity of including children's voices in community decisions, as they are often the ones most affected by those decisions.
• 🤔 The challenge of recognizing and trusting children's capabilities to contribute meaningfully to community engagement.
• 🔍 Moving beyond superficial engagement to a deeper, sustained interaction that values children's insights and opinions.
• 🌟 The role of adults is to facilitate children's participation, ensuring they are heard and their opinions are taken seriously.
• 🏛 The responsibility of councils to engage with children as part of their core community, acknowledging them as residents and stakeholders.
• 🏗️ The significance of children's input in community planning, especially since many community developments are intended for them.
• 💪 Empowering children to understand their agency in the community and their ability to influence decisions that affect their lives.
• 🌱 The value of children and young people's perspectives as a gift to society, which should be nurtured and considered in societal development.
• 📜 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children's rights to express their opinions on matters affecting them.
• 🌐 The South Korean government's progressive approach to children's participation, demonstrating that it is feasible with a shift in perspective.
• 🛠️ The benefits of child-friendly initiatives for local planning, providing a fresh perspective from the actual users of community services and facilities.

Q & A

What is the main message conveyed by the saying 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together' in the context of the transcript?

The saying emphasizes the importance of collaboration and inclusivity, particularly when discussing community engagement and the need to involve all members, including children, in decision-making processes for long-term success and sustainability.

Why is it crucial to involve children in community decisions according to the transcript?

Involving children is essential because it ensures their needs and perspectives are considered, leading to more informed and inclusive decisions that directly impact their lives and the community's future.

What does the transcript suggest about children's perception of decision-making in their community?

The transcript suggests that children feel decisions are often made by adults, particularly those in positions of authority, without their input, leading to a belief that only adults have the right to make decisions.

What challenges are mentioned in the script regarding engaging with children's voices in community engagement?

The challenges include recognizing and believing in children's capabilities for engagement, moving beyond tokenistic displays to sustained engagement, and ensuring that children's voices are genuinely listened to and taken seriously.

How does the transcript define the role of children in community engagement?

The transcript defines children as active participants and key informants in community engagement, with the right to express their opinions on matters affecting their lives, as affirmed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

What is the significance of Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as mentioned in the transcript?

Article 12 signifies that children have the right to their own opinions and to express these ideas freely on matters affecting them. It mandates that their opinions should be listened to and taken seriously.

How does the transcript describe the South Korean government's approach to engaging with children's voices?

The transcript commends the South Korean government for being progressive in engaging with children's voices, highlighting a shift in perspective and the development of skills to listen and draw out children's deeper thoughts and ideas.

What is the 'child-friendly city' initiative mentioned in the transcript, and what is its purpose?

The 'child-friendly city' initiative is led by the Department for Education in child development, based on UNICEF's international model. Its purpose is to support local communities in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly focusing on engaging with children's voices in local decision-making.

How does the transcript suggest that engaging with children's voices can benefit local planning and decision-making?

Engaging with children's voices provides a new perspective from the actual users of facilities and services, leading to better use of resources and more relevant planning that meets the needs of the entire community, including children.

What outcomes are expected from empowering children and involving them in community decisions, as per the transcript?

The expected outcomes include children feeling empowered and having a voice, showing ownership and passion for their community, and being actively involved in shaping and leading what happens in the future.

How does the transcript emphasize the importance of inclusivity in community engagement, particularly for children and families?

The transcript stresses that children and families are vital components of the community, and operating from a whole-of-community perspective ensures their inclusion, leading to a more inclusive and representative decision-making process.