LEVEL 2. EXPLORE BEST PRACTICE

Introduction

The EU-CHILDOCRACY is a CERV project that explores why children and young people have limited or not at all participation in democratic governance at different levels in various EU countries. By testing new participation methods, supporting school educators in their work with children, and involving decision-makers, children and young people, it supports their role as active citizens and raises awareness on their right for participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The project has achieved institutionalised child participation, higher quality participation and longer term change in policy and practice. It has also developed and tested a child-led, rights-based approach to democratic participation that has the potential for replication across the EU.

The Challenge

What social issue does it address?

The legislative and policy frameworks that exist in partner countries to ensure children’s right to participate and be heard are not enough to translate these rights into reality. Moreover, as experiences have shown, participation is often limited and occasional. Most children in the partner countries lack opportunities for participation and those who do have opportunities are still unable to make themselves heard. There are specific challenges that face the most marginalized and vulnerable groups of children (with disabilities, migrant/refugee children, poor children, etc.) who are not reached or supported by current child protection systems.

Why is it important?

This project uses rights-based and participative approaches to challenge unequal power dynamics in adult/child decision making at multiple levels. It introduces an intersectional approach to explore how compounding inequalities (e.g. due to socio-economic status, disability, migration status, cultural background etc) affect participation and seeks to establish inclusive and mixed groups of children and young people to ensure equitable representation.

How does it contribute to the BRIDGE Challenge?

EU-CHILDOCRACY reflects A6 by illustrating the importance of child participation in participatory processes as a way to enhance active citizenship. Through a workshop- and events-based strategy, the establishment of participatory mechanisms within schools and a change in adult mentality on how to share power and how to ensure children's participation at school and policy governance levels, the project promotes education for development and education for global citizenship.

How does it work?

Through the active engagement of children in Co-Creation Labs and Youth Summits, the project increases children's representation in the decision-making process at school and local community levels while it nurtures a democratic mentality for the new generation of EU citizens, in accordance with the EU values. To achieve this, EU-CHILDOCRACY establishes child participation mechanisms at schools and enhances collaboration between schools, ministries, Children's Ombudsman offices and other stakeholders. By bringing children together with representatives of local authorities, it contributes to a positive shift towards child participation in democratic processes among adult decision-makers.

What might inspire you?

Ideas for adaptation

1. Integrates child participation policies at school level
2. Offers transferable tools that can be adapted in different country contexts and focus areas
3. Introduces a co-creation approach in the delivery of training material
4. Raises awareness on the restrictions in participation of vulnerable children in decision-making
5. Enhances students' overall engagement and improves school climate
6. Boosts children's confidence and enhances understanding of democratic processes

Resources created