Getting children involved in government decision-making

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

They didn’t have a PowerPoint presentation to perk up their audience, but teenagers Silvi and Yuyun wowed their audience anyway.

The Indonesian duo, in the third year of middle school in East Flores, were speaking to the region’s local government officials during the archipelago’s Children’s Day 2014 celebration.

During the presentation, the girls called on the local government to ensure children’s perspectives and opinions were considered before policies and programs were implemented.

Impressed, the local government agreed. They created special criteria for their decisions – evaluating the impact based on children’s growth, participation, and protection.

LEARNING TO LEAD

At 15 years old, Silvi is one year older than her friend, Yuyun, and neither stood out at school until World Vision offered the students leadership training.

“Many of our friends dropped out from school. Without higher education, most of them work in plantations or the streets. Some of them are even involved in crime,” Silvi reports.

Through regular World Vision led coaching sessions, the two friends learned to speak about their aspirations in front of their friends and later, local lawmakers.

By working with others, such as student organisations and religious groups, the girls have promoted child rights in many spheres.

CALLING FOR COMMUNITY LEARNING

One issue the girls raised awareness about was the distractions in home environments while children are attempting to study.

After understanding the problem, a campaign was launched to encourage families to switch off their TVs and radios for two hours beginning at 6pm every evening.

In their village, the campaign increased awareness about children’s lives and their educational needs.

Now, it’s not just parents or government leaders who are listening to children. It’s the local chief and school organizations.

CONTINUING TO BE A VOICE FOR CHILDREN

Courageously, Silvi and Yuyun continue to represent many East Flores children.

They have proved that child participation works and both hope that young people in other schools and villages can benefit from the World Vision training.

Whenever they are called upon to present, Silvi emphasises how parents should behave. “(Children) should be listened to and cared for, no matter what,” she says firmly.

For Yuyun, child rights are paramount.

She declares, “Children should have the rights to live, be educated and participate.”

by Rena Tanjung, Field Communications Officer, World Vision Indonesia