YOUR FORUM FOR PLAY, SPORTS UND LEISURE AREAS
In Berlin, on 9 December, around 300 representatives from the world of politics, science and practical experience met to discuss expert knowledge, experiences and prospects in relation to the implementation process of the National Action Plan “For a Child-Oriented Germany 2005-2010”. The NAP is based on the decisions of the World Summit for Children of the United Nations 2002, its contract period ends in December 2010. The goal is to improve the living conditions of children and teenagers and to strengthen their rights in society.
“With the National Action Plan we have initiated a new process to create optimal terms and conditions for the growth of young people,” stated the Federal Minister of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Kristina Schröder, in her opening speech. “But we are a long way away from this goal. The next step must be for the children and teenagers to be able to contribute more actively in discussions relating to their popular social environments – in school or in sports clubs, but also with local decision-making processes, such as town planning,” stated Kristina Schröder.
With the final congress, the final report for NAP was published. Children and teenagers were also able to offer their input. A central perception of the NAP is: The involvement of children and teenagers in decisions concerning them creates lasting, sustainable solutions. This means that playgrounds and schoolyards are better accepted and dealt with more carefully if children assist in the planning; local programmes for violence protection really do work if teenagers take an active part in them; common learning and the amicable interactions between pupils with or without a disability cannot be provided by adults – the best ideas come from children and teenagers themselves. The final report and the accompanying materials of the National Action Plan show, with the help of other good examples, how Germany can gradually become child-oriented.
A child-oriented Germany would mean fair chances for all children and teenagers to strengthen their protection, their early development and their education. With the “offensive early opportunities” on language promotion and promotion of integration in children’s day care centres, the model programme “Strengthen Youth” or the action programme “Early Help”, the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs is already setting priorities leading the way towards a children and youth-oriented Germany.
Information on the key results of the NAP can be found at www.kindergerechtesdeutschland.de.
(Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth on 8 December 2010)
