1. Save the Children Roundtable Discussion – A call for National Child Participation Framework
Introduction
Since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, Article 12 – the provision that children have a right to express their views and have them taken seriously in accordance with their age and maturity - has proved one of the most challenging to implement. Although understanding of childhood and attitudes towards children differs widely across cultures, the experience of the Committee on the Rights of the Child has been that the reason for excluding children from participation in matters that affect them are remarkably consistent across different parts of the world: children
lack competence; they lack knowledge and judgment; involving them in decisions is to place too heavy a burden on them.; parents know what is best for their children; giving children a voice will lead to excessive demands, bad behaviour, disrespect for elders; participation will expose children to risk of harm. However, we have learned in the past 21 years that these concerns are not borne out by the evidence. Time and again, experience shows that children – even very young children – given the time and opportunity, demonstrate not only that they have views, experiences and perspectives
to express, but that their expression can contribute positively to decisions that affect the realization of their rights and wellbeing.
The Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution specifically guarantees that “a child’s best interests are paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.” By ratifying the United Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on the 16th June 1995, amongst other rights, the South African Government committed itself to promote and protect a child’s right to participate in any matters that affect them.

2. A child’s right to participate in any decision that affects his or her life is highlighted in the Children’s Act. This gives all children the right to express their views freely and for them to be given due weight in all matters affecting them – in accordance with their age and maturity – in any judicial or administrative proceeding, which includes national and local government decision-making. It recognizes that children face particular barriers in influencing decision-making, due to their understanding, individual circumstances, specific vulnerabilities and social status. Participation has no minimum age. Even very young children have the right to be heard. Similarly, so do all children regardless of background or social group. The right to be heard extends to all actions and decisions that affect children’s
lives – in the family, in school, in local communities, at local and national political level. It applies both to issues that affect individual children, such as decisions about where they live following their parents divorce, and to children as a constituency, such as legislation determining the minimum age for full time work. It is important to recognize that many areas of public policy and legislation impact on children’s lives – issue relating to transport, housing, macro-economics, environment, as well as education, childcare and public health all have implications for children. It is not sufficient to give children the right to be listened to only; it is equally important to take what they have to say seriously. Children are subjects of rights, rather than, merely recipients of adult protection, and that those rights demand that children themselves are entitled to be heard.
Involving children in public decision – making process offers important opportunities for civic education and learning about government. This can strengthen children’s social responsibility and develop their social, communication and civic skills. It gives them the opportunity to participate as active citizens. Furthermore, the inclusion and integration of children’s perspectives and voices leads to better outcome – from improved laws and oversight of the executive to more equitable budget allocations and better services

3. 3.1 Specific Deliverables
Problem Statement
3.1 Specific Deliverables
3.3 Who are the participants
While ad hoc initiatives exist to facilitate children’s input on discreet issues, there are no systemic procedures, processes and budgets to secure their consistent participation in, for example, all policies an laws that impact on them(Pan Children 2011). Furthermore, there is no National Framework to guide children’s participation across all the sectors and spheres of government in South Africa.
Share existing child participation models, approaches and practices both in communities, schools and through government processes.
National and Provincial NGO’s working on Child Rights issues including child participation
Key government departments responsible for the child participation.
Identify what is working, what are the challenges and gaps regarding child participation.
UN Agency working on child participation
Discuss how these different models, approached and practices link and interact with each other,
3.4 Duration of the Roundtable
The Roundtable discussion will be held over a period of 1.5 days. The first full day will be dedicated to presentations and discussions on the existing child participation models, approaches and practices as well as challenges and gaps. The following half day will be used to map a way forward regarding the development of National Child.
Recommend strategies and approaches that could be employed to develop a National Child Participation Framework.
Purpose of the Roundtable
Discussion
To discuss the existing child participation models and practices across all the different sectors and spheres of government, examine the gaps and challenges; and initiate a process to develop the national child participation framework that will promote systematic and structured child participation in the country.
3.2 Expect Outputs
A clear picture in terms of where we are regarding children’s participation in the country across all the different sectors and spheres of government.
A way forward regarding the development of National Child Participation Framework

4. “Disabled Children's Action Group” (DICAG)
Thank for the opportunity to present Presented By: Sandra Ambrose

5. Content of Presentation
Brief History
Vision
Our Overall objective
Why Child Participation
Removing Barriers (Inclusion)
Achievements on Child Participation
Brazil Learning Exchange
Budget Project
Children's Act Participation
Conclusion

6. Brief History
The Disabled Children’s Action Group (DICAG) is a cross disability organisation of parents that was formed by parents of children with disabilities
With the purpose of addressing the needs of children with disabilities in South Africa.

7. History Cont..
DICAG started as a programme of DPSA in 1993, South Africa was in a period of transition toward a massive political transformation (1994 Elections)
The process of transformation, guided by an adherence to human rights principles, created the opportunity for pressure groups, such as DICAG, to lobby for the rights of disabled children.

8. History Cont..
However, there was at the same time recognition that the conditions under which disabled children were living could not be left unattended
DICAG Became independent 1997

9. Our Vision
DICAG will continue to be a leading parents organisation that advocates for the rights of children
with disabilities and their full integration into society with equal opportunities for all

10. The overall objective
DICAG is to integrate disabled children into the mainstream of society through giving them equal access to opportunities available to all the other children in the South Africa
Hence Child Participation is Crucial

11. Why Child Participation?

15. The Budget Project (IDASA)

16. His Work Place

17. His Friends

20. Access to Education

21. Another Achievements Children's Act
Coordinating the working group on the Children’s Bill/Act and submitted provincial submissions
Exposed children youngsters with disabilities to different forms of training and networking.

22. Self-Advocacy Programme
Youngsters being trained (Leadership)
Self Advocacy programme
Training them to speak out for themselves…

23. We Believe !!
Child Participation is Important in all development Stages
It starts from the cradle(Birth) to the Grave
All Programmes should be inclusive from Local to Global
Parents and youngsters continue to mobilize communities and create awareness on disability and equal opportunities for all.

24. ‘’NOTHING ABOUT OUR CHILDREN WITHOUT US’’ Thanks for Listening