Participation Matters
Children, adolescents and young people across the world are eager to share their creativity, courage and optimism to help change their world for the better. Participation enables you to do just that – in your family, school, college and community life. At the heart of child participation is Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which upholds every child’s right to be heard.
Children4Change
In 2012, UNICEF introduced Children4Change for World Children’s Day to recognise the diversity of children in Malaysia and to listen to what they had to say. From the multitude of ideas and opinions children shared, one overarching theme emerged that would do justice to their voices and interests – child participation.
World Children’s Day on 20 November is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children.
Debunking the Myths
Myth 1:
Children should be seen and not heard.
Reality: Listening to children and ensuring your views are heard encourages children to understand and respect the views of others. This helps children accept responsibility and become confident, empowered, tolerant and democratic.
Myth 2:
Child participation will lead to a lack of respect for adults.
Reality: Participation does not mean children should be disrespectful to adults. In fact, Article 29 of the CRC says that children must respect their parents and other adults. Listening teaches children to respect others and promotes understanding.
Myth 3:
Child participation means that everything a child says is correct.
Reality: Participation does not mean that adults automatically accept everything you say. Instead, participation is a process of dialogue which enables adults to provide direction and guidance to help you make the best decisions for your life and others.
Learn
Get the facts and learn about the cause(s) you’re most inspired about.
Speak Out
Respectfully and responsibly to create a better world for all.
Volunteer
With local NGOs to improve the lives of people in your community.
Innovate
Use your creativity and passion to create and innovate to transform people’s lives.
Change
Beliefs, attitudes and behaviours – yours and others – to improve lives.
