Children's participation : the theory and practice of involving young citizens in community development and environmental care

This book, commissioned by UNICEF, concentrates on the conceptual issues, processes and methods for involving children (up to 14 years of age) in research, planning, design, management and monitoring of the environment.
The "environment" is interpreted broadly to include, for example, the planning of housing areas and the management of playgrounds. Detailed case studies are provided from urban and rural, poor and middle class communities from the North and South. Part one of the book contains an introduction and chapters on conceptual issues relating to children's capacity to participate, organization principals, and new models for involving children and new institutional alliances. The organizations described range from community schools to children's organizations, clubs, local government and NGOs. Part two on children's participation in practice begins with action research followed by sections on environmental planning, management and monitoring, public awareness and political action, and networks. The final part of the book describes participatory methods for involving children, including; drawings and collages; mapping and modelling; interviewing and surveys; and media and communication.