Children Parliament Network

In the 1990s, Fr. Edwin Maria John founded the Children's Parliament under the auspices of the Neighborhood Community Network with the aim of empowering and giving a voice to children, particularly in rural communities across India and beyond. Edwin envisioned these parliaments as platforms for children to express their opinions, learn about governance, and actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. The initiative has not only shaped rural communities in India but has also extended its impact to urban and semi-urban sectors. By fostering a sense of community and civic responsibility among young participants, Children's Parliaments have become instrumental in addressing local challenges and promoting sustainable development. The outcomes of these parliaments have been multifaceted, ranging from improved child participation in education and healthcare decisions to the development of leadership skills among the younger generation. In 2009, the United Nations Organization recognized the profound impact of Children's Parliaments by awarding it the title of the world's best child-led organization for child rights actions. This accolade underscored the effectiveness of the initiative in amplifying children's voices and fostering positive change at the grassroots level. Importantly, the model can be extrapolated to developed countries, where Children's Parliaments can serve as invaluable platforms for nurturing civic responsibility, empathy, and active engagement in community affairs among the younger generation.