What the Methodology Is
Understanding the foundation and purpose of this approach
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The We Are Here: Child Participation Toolbox is a comprehensive resource developed by Eurochild and the Learning for Well-being Foundation to support meaningful, rights‑based child participation in diverse settings: schools, organizations, communities and participation structures.
The toolbox is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and holistic wellbeing principles, promoting mutual respect, shared decision‑making and inclusive spaces where children can safely express their views. It contains:
60+ activities, games and exercises for child–adult collaboration.
A children’s rights card game for exploring rights interactively.
A step‑by‑step structure that supports personal awareness, participation skills, representation of peers, facilitation and joint reflection.
Organized into six practical sections (US, ME, participation, representation, facilitation and reflection), the toolbox supports children in growing from expressing their own views to representing others, and adults in creating enabling, inclusive environments.
How It Can Be Used
Practical applications and implementation guidance
The We Are Here toolbox is designed to be flexible and can be used in many contexts where children and adults collaborate. It offers a range of activities you can pick and adapt based on your needs, making it useful for both formal and informal participation processes.
In schools and learning environments
Teachers can use it to encourage pupil voice, support classroom discussions, or plan pupil‑led projects. The activities help children express their views and build communication and social‑emotional skills.
In participation projects and consultations
When preparing children to take part in consultations, forums or decision‑making spaces, the toolbox helps them clarify their views and build confidence. Adults can use it to ensure processes are rights‑based and inclusive.
For building group trust and collaboration
If you are starting a new group or working with mixed adult‑child teams, the toolbox offers activities that build trust, explore perspectives and create safe, respectful environments.
For strengthening representation and facilitation
It includes tools that help children represent peers’ views responsibly and learn how to facilitate discussions, so everyone is heard, useful for youth councils, advisory groups or collective decision‑making.
For reflection and learning
After projects or workshops, the reflection activities help children and adults make sense of their experience and improve future participation.
Overall, its adaptability, practical design and rights‑based foundation make it useful across schools, NGOs, community groups and any setting aimed to strengthen meaningful child participation.
Focus on Inclusion
The toolbox is designed to ensure meaningful participation for all children, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, especially Article 12 on the child’s right to be heard. Its approach reflects the internationally recognized Nine Basic Requirements for Ethical and Meaningful Child Participation, ensuring participation is both ethical and accessible in diverse contexts.
Contributors
Organizations and individuals who developed this methodology
The We Are Here: Child Participation Toolbox was jointly developed and published by two partner organizations:
- Eurochild – a European network promoting children’s rights and wellbeing.
- Learning for Well-being Foundation – an organization based in the Netherlands focused on holistic wellbeing and participatory approaches.