The Children's Parliament initiative has proven highly effective in fostering democratic values in children from a young age. By actively engaging in dialogue, discussion, and collaborative decision-making, participants gain essential knowledge and skills that empower them to make informed choices in their personal, family, and social lives.
Implemented by the Development Association of Nagaland, this project has reached over 10,000 children through capacity building and direct community engagement. Significant improvements have been observed in the children's leadership qualities, openness, and understanding of personal health, hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health rights. Furthermore, children are now more comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking assistance when needed, and are proactively addressing issues related to their welfare and the common good.
GOAL
The children and youth are empowered to be proactive contributors to democracy, progress and development in the communities through the Children’s Parliament Mechanism.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Strategy 1 : Mobilize and capacitate children in communities and educational institutions through the children’s parliament mechanism
Strategy 2 : Build Capacity and mentor children on democracy and governance, leadership, career development and life skills through focused training programmes.
Strategy 3 : Facilitate opportunities for participation and engagement of children in governance, community life and decision-making processes.
Strategy 4 : Promote an enabling environment for sustaining the children’s Parliaments in the institutions and communities.
Children's Parliaments are nurtured in educational institutions as a co-curricular engagement with the involvement of male and female class representatives from each class. At the school level, the parliament elects the prime minister and the council of ministers under the patronage of the head of the institution. The school parliaments hold monthly sessions and takes decisions as per parliamentary procedures. The ministries under the parliament leads various activities in the institution under the guidance of the school management.
The Neighbourhood Children's Parliaments are nurtured in the communities involving both school going and out of school children, belonging to different communities and groups with in the village. The Parliaments are formed under the patronage of the village councils and elders. All the children in the village come together to elect their council of ministers and members. Monthly sessions are held to discuss matters of importance and decisions are made on through parliamentary processes.
The Children's Parliaments are platforms for the children to gain knowledge and skills relating to every aspect of their personal and social lives. The Children's Parliament empowers young minds by imparting life skills, soft skills, and leadership through debates and projects. They learn civic responsibility, understand legislative/administrative functions, and develop personality, becoming engaged, confident citizens shaping their communities. Career guidance and skill development programmes are also part of the initiai
Guided tours to government departments and local establishments offer children invaluable experiential learning. Witnessing the municipal office in action helps them grasp civic functions firsthand, moving beyond abstract concepts. At a local bakery, seeing the production process and even kneading dough connects them tangibly to commerce and community contribution. These real-world interactions and hands-on experiences transform theoretical knowledge into concrete understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation for how their society operates.
Interface meetings with village councils and traditional courts offer children invaluable training in democracy and governance, particularly in contexts like Nagaland with strong customary systems. By observing real-time deliberations on community issues, dispute resolution, and decision-making by elders and elected members, children gain practical understanding of local governance. They witness consensus-building, the application of customary laws, and the roles of leaders. This direct exposure to traditional democratic processes fosters civic participation, respect for local institutions, and a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage, preparing them for active roles in their communities.
Children's active participation in social action through cleanliness drives, plantation efforts, anti-tobacco/substance abuse campaigns, and recycling initiatives fosters profound civic engagement. These hands-on activities teach them teamwork, responsibility, and the direct impact of their actions on environmental health and community well-being. By engaging in these vital causes, children not only contribute to immediate improvements but also cultivate lifelong habits of social consciousness and advocacy, becoming proactive agents of positive change in their communities.
Peer support groups significantly foster inclusive growth among children. Through collaborative group study, they enhance academic performance, helping each other understand concepts. These groups also cultivate empathy and social responsibility by pooling resources for peers in distress. Crucially, they provide a safe channel for children to report concerns to elders, ensuring timely intervention and creating a supportive, caring environment for all.