Child Participation of JMN

Child Participation of JMN

 

 

Conceptual understanding of JMN on child participation

JMN considers all children up to 18 years as children. In this feudal society, chief of family takes all decisions. This phenomenon is available either in patriarchal or matriarchal family. The structure of family and society is constituted on this premise. Although the democratic system of governance has been adopted in this country, but there is no room for participation of all persons equally. Regarding participation of children, all adults, families and above all society seem to be diffident. If we closely observe behaviors of children, we find that children fight among themselves and become united after some-time. However, this does not happen with adults. Adults make division in the society on the basis of caste, religion, class and gender and try to inject this division among children.

JMN considers children as an integral part of democracy; and their voices need to heard in all decision making process. However, JMN does not believe in creating anarchy in the name of democracy. In this context, JMN thinks that individuals including children make the society. So it is to be seen that some individuals do not take away rights or enjoy rights at the cost of rights all individuals. In the same vein, society as a whole does not deprive individuals.

JMN also does not like to form a parallel BAL panchayats as that panchayats. The organization considers that it is the duty of the government organs to oversee that local panchayats functions properly.

The organization feels that children should become aware and conscientious about their own rights. And this conscientisation process should not be imposed on them; rather it should grow out from them. So there is a need to have sustained dialogues with children to know their viewpoints about society and after knowing their viewpoints children should be engaged to dissect of their viewpoints. Such dissection will facilitate the process of building perspective among children about society. Activists should learn from children and should engage children for further learning. Then only programme of children should be designed and implemented.

The organization likes to ensure that children should be engaged in curriculum design, teaching and learning and evaluation of schools. The organization believes in creating an environment where every individual including child can equally and intelligently participate in learning and exchanging knowledge and ideas.

Right to participation

·         Children will take decision.

·         Children and adults will take decision jointly.

·         Opinions of children have been taken.

·         Children have taken decision, which have been prescribed or asked.

·         Children's voices are heard and children's perspectives are looked into.

Present position of child participation in JMN

JMN works in villages: Belwa, Shivrampur, Ayer, Sarairmohana, Kuwar, and Pindara. It also works in urban slums Baghawanala.

Who are members of BAL Panchayats?

Any child in the age group of 6-14 can become member of bal panchayats.

How are leaders and where does the work would be done?

All children will elect a coordinator and an assistant coordinator in a village. All coordinator and assistant coordinators will assemble together at the panchayat level to elect a coordinator and assistant coordinators.

What are the functions of bal panchayats ?

Bal Panchayats members will understand child related issues and will develop perspective on child related issues. Bal panchayat members will together in every month. They will organize and agitate against exploitation, violation of child rights through street plays, demonstration and gathering.

How does bal panchayas will ensure child participation?

Members of BAL Panchayat members will reach to all children and sensitise them about their rights. Members will work towards ensuring participation of all children in decision-making.

What would be the role of adults?

The role of the adults would be facilitator of blooming and ensuring participation of all children.

 

 

Right to Child Participation