1. Why do you think that children's participation rights matter?
Children's participation matters because it is important to let children voice their concerns and to get a different perspective from adult's opinions on the matter. It is a child's right to have the freedom to voice their opinion and to also be heard. Once they are heard, the UNCRC can take there opinions into consideration and help implement new programs to improve the lives of these children.
2. How does the inclusion of children's participation in the UNCRC implicate States Parties that have ratified the treaty?
The inclusion of children's participation in the UNCRC helps the state address the seriousness of the issues that children are raising. This overall holds the state accountable for children's rights and to ensure that they respect article 12, which provides children with the right to express their views freely.
3. What do children's participation rights have to do with citizenship and democratic processes that are inclusive and empowering?
Children's participation rights are associated with democratic processes because it addresses the importance of citizens being able to freely voice their opinion on issues. When children are given the opportunity to speak freely on important matters, it is not only empowering for the individual, but for all children. Inclusivity of children in communities is extremely important in order to give them the opportunity to practice their rights and to be heard.
4. Given what you have learned about the possibilities and challenges of children's participation rights, how does the Shaking the Movers model meet these challenges? Are there gaps in the model? If so, how might the model be modified to address these gaps?
The shaking the movers models allows children to come forward and provide feedback about certain issues that have been raised in their communities. One of the main challenges of letting children participate, is that adults can abuse their power and believe that they believe what is in the best interest of the child, when in fact they could be doing more harm than helping for the child. In order to avoid this from occurring, the model allows children to not only address issues, but to also make suggestions as to how we can make improvements. I did not identify any gaps in the model because it was a flexible approach that allowed children to speak openly about their concerns and to be heard by adults.
5. What are 2 connections you can make between what the young people had to say in 2007 and your understanding of childrens participation rights
One connection I noticed is how children acknowledged the importance of not only being able to voice their opinions, but also being listened to by adults and having their concerns taken into consideration. Another connection that was made is how children believe that there needs to be wider communication about opportunities that should become engaged. By becoming more involved in your community, it could help improve awareness on issues that affect children.