Liangjiang integrates child-friendly principles into community governance

Yuhao Community Center is abuzz with children from nearby neighborhoods as summer vacation begins. Some bike in, parking at the rainbow-colored spots outside. This parking space originated from the Children's Council, an initiative that empowers children to voice their ideas and shape their community.

Children park their bikes at the rainbow-colored parking space. [Photo by Jin'an Community]

The council comprises applicants aged 5 to 13 within Jin'an Community in Liangjiang New Area. Members identify local issues and needs, submit proposals to the community committee, and then follow a process of site visits, topic confirmation, and plan development. Finalized plans are put to a member vote before approved projects are implemented with the support of the committee.

"The core purpose of the council is to ensure that children's ideas are heard, taken seriously, and acted upon, fostering their awareness of democracy and participation," said Wang Siyue, a Jin'an Community Committee staff member. 

Since its establishment in 2023, the council has implemented child-friendly initiatives with rainbow-colored elements, including a bike parking space, an overpass, and staircases.

The overpass renovation project is located outside Chongguang Primary School, where a busy two-way, four-lane road separates students from the school gate. Despite an existing pedestrian overpass, many children risked crossing at street level.

Earlier this year, the council determined that an eye-catching overpass renovation would encourage students to use safer crossings. After discussions with traffic police and community employees, a redesign was approved to create an engaging, child-friendly passage with vibrant-colored graphics.

Zhang Yixi, a second-grader at Chongguang Primary School, said, "The colorful bridge looks fantastic, and now more classmates want to use it." Zhang is also a regular at the Yuhao Community Center, where she has made new friends. 

Yuhao Community Center, now the main venue for community children's activities, invited council members to provide input on its design and functions before its opening. Guided by community workers, members discussed their ideas, affixing written requests onto floor plans.

A member puts her request on the floor plan. [Photo by Jin'an Community] 

"Requests we've implemented include the children's suggestions for a reading room and a movie room," said Wang. The center is sourcing resources for the requested baking room and is considering introducing baking courses.

"Children often identify issues overlooked by adults, and their suggestions, offering unique perspectives, help tailor the community to the needs of its youngest residents," Wang emphasized.