Dialogue on Participation of Children of Early Years
On 9th August 2024, Consortium Nepal Organized the Dialogue on participation of children of early age on the occasion of Third National Participation Day. The main objective of the program was to discuss about the participation of children at their early age. During the program different networks leaders, development partners, children present to provide their insightful inputs regarding to participation of children at early age. The presenter for the day was Dr. Minakshi Dahal and Keynote Speaker was Dr. Deepu Shrestha. DR. Minakshi Daha led the sessions on enabling young child participation.
Dr. Minakshi Dahal present about the enabling young children participation to makes clear about the participation of children at early age. She provides the information about the early learning and development. She provides the brief definition about the participation. She said that the factors like good health, nutrition, responsive care, safety and security as well as early learning and stimulation are the elements of nurture care framework. She stated that children and young people need to have a voice in decision making in early education, schools and the wider formal non formal education systems. There should be participation of children in courts and legal system. Participation of children in decision making process helps to reduce anti-social behavior and substance abuse, as well as superior academic performance. It helps to build a healthy society. Participation in decision making process helps children to improve the confidence and communication skills of children. The presentation describes about the creating supportive environment for children. Creating supportive environment emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their abilities or experiences with violence. Presentation highlights the need to view children as active learners, provide them with moral, social, and emotional support, and protect them from harm. Special attention is given to children affected by trauma, ensuring they have a safe and stable environment to recover. She describes about the way forward for the participation of children which covers about the Encouraging strong leadership to support and advocate for the involvement of young children and youth. She also mentioned that enhancing education and training for professionals who work with and represent these age groups helps in participation of children.
Dr. Dipu Shakhya, the keynote speaker, emphasized the critical need for organizations focused on child rights to take proactive steps in ensuring the participation of children for early years. He highlighted the importance of providing parents with the necessary knowledge and skills through parenting packages, which are instrumental in fostering child participation from an early age. Dr. Shakhya pointed out that a solid foundation of knowledge and resources is essential, as it is the starting point for everything, including the promotion of early childhood participation. Dr. Shakhya called on organizations and their partners to take the initiative in reflecting and upholding the rights of early children, ensuring their voices are heard and their participation is prioritized from the earliest stages of life.
Participants from different organizations, network leaders as well as development partners kept their insightful views during the program.