Webwise

The following is a selection of websites from organizations around the world working in participatory ways with children and youth.

Dirección National de Juventud (Argentina)

The main goals of the organization is to promote, implement and coordinate activities that strengthen the development and participation of youth in civil society (with special emphasis on disadvantaged youth), by providing technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organizations. The main activities include youth programs; citizenship; leadership training; participation; technical assistance.

India Together is an umbrella organization that also has a children's web site. Below is an example of the type of activities that are sponsored:

Bala Janaagraha is all about actively involving children in participative democracy, and to teach them the fundamentals of a democratic society. It also highlights their role as citizens of this society. And it has set out to achieve these objectives by engaging children in the workings of the local government at their ward level. Gradually, the children imbibe the tenets of leadership, community building and teamwork, and in the process, the seeds of a capable and effective leadership for the future are sown. With this idea Bala Janaagraha was introduced to the students of five schools in Bangalore last year. The programme continues with communities and 21 schools from six wards during 2003-04.

A Bala Janaagraha campaign meeting at Bangalore

European Youth Parliament

The EYP is an international, non-partisan organization which seeks to increase young people's awareness of European issues, and provide a truly unique educational experience. The core of EYP's activities are the three 9-day international sessions.

International Child Friendly Cities Secretariat

An International Secretariat for Child Friendly Cities has been established by UNICEF, UN-HABITAT, the Italian Committee for UNICEF and the Istituto degli Innocenti. In operation since September 2000, the Secretariat aims to provide information and support to interested municipalities with the key objective of sharing experiences and encouraging networking among cities committed to improving the quality of life for their children and fulfilling their rights.

Growing up in Cities

Saida, Lebanon

Participatory Planning and Action for Environment Improvement in the Old City

Of the several issues outlined above, the two which lend themselves most to a participatory planning and action process are a greening project and developing a play area. It appears that the study area will be implemented. The trash issue is in need of a solution, but it seems that children may play a limited role in developing and implementing such a solution. Lastly, the child labor issue is of critical importance, and should be explored further with key decision-makers as well as the community to determine an appropriate course of action.

The development of green areas and play areas to be the most fruitful short-term direction for child and youth participation. In North America, Britain and other parts of Europe, play areas are being designed to integrate areas for sports and active play as well as areas for 'nature play' or quiet, imaginative and social play in green areas. Therefore, the two goals may be combined in some parts of the Old City.  

Save the Children New Zealand

Save the Children works for: A world which respects and values. each child . A world which listens to children and learns. A world where all children have hope and opportunity.

Teens as Community Builders (Project for Public Spaces)

Play for Peace

Play for Peace ®

Our Mission:

To bring together children, youth and organizations from communities in conflict, using cooperative play to create laughter, compassion and peace.

Our Vision:

To ignite Play for Peace® learning initiative in regions around the globe, networking as one unified community that contributes to a more peaceful world.

Play for Peace began its exploratory process in South Africa in 1997. Over the next two years a series of train-the-trainer workshops and play sessions expanded our network throughout Cape Town, Johannesburg and elsewhere. Our initial local partner was the RALI initiative, a multicultural youth leadership program that has been providing a comprehensive life skills and community service training to youths nationwide for the past 13 years.