StreetsAhead

Glasgow Children Paint the Way

The Children’s Parliament has long been interested in the health, well-being and safety of children. We believe that the best interests of children, and the experience of rights, can be achieved when children are free from stress and violence at home and in the community. The Seville Statement on Violence (drafted by leading scientists from around the world during the UN International Year for Peace in 1986) reminds us with great clarity that: “How we act is shaped by how we have been conditioned and socialised”.

In Glasgow, the Community Initiative to Reduce Violence team and Violence Reduction Unit have established that there is a clear need to work with the youngest members of the community. In December 2011 The Children’s Parliament worked with 10 to 12 year olds in the East End of Glasgow to bring their views on what local children need to be safe, healthy and happy. Workshops led to the creation of an audio/visual mural so that their messages can be shared with other older children and young people, with parents, carers and professionals.  This process encourages and enables children to speak for themselves about their aspirations for themselves, their families and their communities.  The mural painting week was also filmed, giving the children the opportunity to talk about life in their community.