Child participation

Child participation

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to express their views about all matters that affect them. World Vision is committed to fostering children’s capacity to be active citizens, to strengthen their enjoyment of their rights during their childhood, and as they reach adulthood. Particular attention is given to the rights of all children to participate, with an emphasis placed on the participation of those who tend to be the most marginalized.

WV has increasingly supported children’s active participation in research, monitoring, and evaluation. It recognises the importance of understanding children’s perspectives on the issues facing their communities, and the impact of programmes and policies on their lives. WV’s experience of involving children in research highlights not only how children can meaningfully participate in researching issues that concern them, but also serves to illustrate how children tend to be excluded from everyday decision-making within their families and communities.