Number 36 in the Bernard van Leer foundation's Working Papers series has recently
been published: "Can you hear me? The right of young children to participate in
decisions affecting them" emphasises that participation enhances children's
self-esteem and confidence, promotes their overall capacities, produces better
outcomes, strengthens understanding of and commitment to democratic processes and
protects children more effectively. Participation provides the opportunity for
developing a sense of autonomy, independence, heightened social competence and
resilience.

The benefits are therefore significant, and adults with both direct and indirect
responsibility for children need to acquire a greater humility in recognising that
they have a great deal to learn from children. But the case for listening to young
children goes beyond the beneficial outcomes. It is also a matter of social justice
and human rights. All people, however young, are entitled to be participants in
their own lives, to influence what happens to them, to be involved in creating their
own environments, to exercise choices and to have their views respected and valued.

Creating environments where these entitlements are fulfilled for young children will
necessitate profound change. In most countries throughout the world, there is a
continued perception of young children as passive recipients of care and protection.
Their capacities for participation are underestimated, their agency in their own
lives is denied and the value of involving them is unrecognised. Yet there is a
growing and persuasive body of evidence to challenge these barriers.[SOurce: CRIN]

For more information, contact:
Bernard van Leer Foundation
PO Box 82334, 2508 EH The Hague, Netherlands
Tel: + 31 70 331 22 00; Fax: + 31 70 350 23 73
Email: pubsrequests@bvleerf.nl
Website: http://www.bernardvanleer.org