The main objective of the "Participating is your right" campaign is to remind society that children not only have the right to be heard, but that their participation is essential for social development. As highlighted by the Platform for Children in its project "These are rights", the participation of children allows them to know and respond to their needs, ideas and proposals, promoting active citizenship from an early age. This approach, supported by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, recognises children as protagonists of their present and as agents of social change.
This process of children's participation in state activities is organised in coordination with the State Group of Systems for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Persons of the Salesian Social Platforms and seeks to represent the different voices of children throughout the country. Each participating body must have at least one group of children between the ages of 9 and 12, who will send their contributions for the final report, thus guaranteeing a complete contribution to the opinion-gathering process.
This process is adapted to different age groups: 6-8 years, 9-12 years and 13-17 years, allowing the implementation of activities in proportionate groups and facilitating more inclusive participation.
The activities will focus on four key rights:
- Non-discrimination
- Play and free time
- Protection against violence
- Right to health.
The results of this process will be systematised and presented to the relevant authorities from 22 November, ensuring that children's voices are heard and have a real impact on public policies.
A fundamental element of the "Participating is your right" campaign is to encourage adults to listen actively and respectfully to young people. This type of listening is not limited to listening, but involves interpretation, enhancement and response to children's ideas and concerns. The campaign underlines the importance of mothers, fathers, teachers, community leaders and policy makers taking a collaborative and supportive attitude towards young people. Active listening recognises that children, despite their young age, can bring creative and innovative solutions to today's challenges.
Salesian Social Platforms are bodies committed to defending the rights of children, especially vulnerable children and adolescents. Together, they work to ensure that children's voices are heard and that their rights are fully met, promoting a future where children's active participation is a reality and a safe environment in which they can develop in all aspects of the human person.
Source: Salesianos.info
