Children and Young People as Citizens

Children and Young People as Citizens - Partners for Social Change

Promoting Children and Young People Participation and Citizenship Rights in South and Central Asia

Author:  Claire O' Kane

"We worry what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget he/she is someone today" (Stacia Staucher)

The work of Save the Children is rooted in the principles enshrined in the Convention of the Right of the Child (CRC) and committed to support children claiming their rights. Save the Children in South and Central Asia has a vision for tomorrow grounded in the reality of today, we believe that "Children are not only the future but they are also the citizens of today" (Children's Forum, UN Special Session on Children, 2002)

This set of publications compiles our learning from the study. It provides a wealth of examples of children's participation and citizenship in families, communities, schools, work places, local government bodies and other settings. It highlights the many diverse and creative ways in which children organize themselves, let their voices be heard and create change in their lives, appropriate to their different cultures and situations. These experiences of children are enriched with analysis, reflections and lessons learned that are important for all organisations working to promote children's participation and rights.

Imagine a scene.....a group of girls, boys, and young people of different ages sittting together, eyes bright, animated, as they discuss ideas and share their views on issues concerning them in their local communities. Working in creative ways they plan actions to raise awareness and gain adult support in taking action to further the realisation of their rights. Consider the backdrop to the scene..... a Himalayan mountain village, a congested city, an isolated village in a desert area, a refugee camp, a village in the plains, a beach by the sea..... in situations both of peace and conflict.

Published by: Save the Children South and Central Asia Region, Lalitpur, GPO Box 5850, Kathmandu, Nepal

For further information, contact karna@scfoscar.org.np