Children's Voices, Children's Places Event 20 June 2016
Local children were given a voice on the development of Child Friendly Places at the Children’s Voices, Children’s Places event which took place at Belfast City Hall where more than 250 primary school children took the opportunity to set out their priorities and question local decision makers. Participants were welcomed by The High Sheriff, Jim Rodgers and also featured teachers and pupils from Greece as well as policy experts in the field.
NI Commissioner for Children and Young People Koulla Yiasouma addressed the event as well as Professor Lamine Mahdjoubi of University of West of England who presented academic evidence on the importance of Child Friendly Cities.
Also launched at the event was the Taking Action For Child Friendly Places: First Steps, Strategic Approach & Action Plan for Belfast based on extensive engagement with primary school children and aims to begin a process of creating Child Friendly Places in Belfast by responding to the priorities identified.
Main Presentations
- Taking Action for Child Friendly Places: Developing a Strategic Approach - Jonna Monaghan, Health and Wellbeing Manager, Belfast Healthy Cities
- Healthy Places for Children - Professor Lamine Mahdjoubi, Faculty of Environment and Technology - Architecture and Built Environment, University of the West of England
- A Belfast Agenda for Children - Nuala Gallagher, Director of City Centre Development, Belfast City Council
School Presentations
Children from across 11 primary schools presented their views on what makes a child friendly space to a panel made up of councillors, planners and other statutory representatives.
- Cranmore Integrated Primary School
- Nettlefield Primary School (video)
- St Kevin’s Primary School
- St Mary’s Primary School (video)
- St Patrick’s Primary School (also see videos on their website)
- St Paul’s Primary School
- St Teresa’s Primary School
- St Vincent de Paul Primary School
- Seaview Primary School
- Victoria College Preparatory School
- Wheatfield Primary School
Exploring Child Friendly Places in Ilioupolis
Catherine Georgopoulou, Teacher and pupils
20th primary school of Illioupolis, Athens, Greece