Young Ambassadors conclude meeting on child poverty
The time has come to listen to children!
Nothing for children without listening to children. Children themselves are part of the solution not part of the problem.
Three priority areas where identified by the 33 children and young people aged 10 to 18 from nine different countries who, from 11 to 16 July, gathered in Brussels to discuss how children experience poverty and social exclusion. The three key messages agreed upon are: listen to children, social inclusion and equality in access to education, transport, health and other services.
“Adults cannot decide what is in the best interest of children without also asking children themselves what they think”, says Jana Hainsworth, Eurochild Secretary General. “Eurochild’s children’s meeting in Brussels is a small but significant step in bringing their voices to the table”, she added.
All the children were selected from Eurochild membership working with thousands of children at risk of marginalization or living in poverty. In all organizations, a core principle applies: children have to be respected for who they are and what they have to bring.
Philipe Courard said “The meeting with the 33 children from different European countries was very interesting and I will take their ideas and inspiration with me to the European Council. During this presidency, I will explain to all European Member States that the fight against child poverty should also be part of their priorities. I will try to guarantee, whether a child is living in Belgium, Bulgaria or Germany, to give them the same opportunities to succeed in life. The following 6 months the European children can count on me to be their voice at European level.”
“Governments who attempt to cut costs by reducing public spending on children and families are deluding themselves. They will just pay later – and a much higher price”, added Jana Hainsworth create a better future for themselves and for their communities”.
This event is supported by the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – Progress (2007-2013) of the European Commission, and the Roi Baudouin Foundation, Belgium.
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