Called The Gathering, it will see 50 children engage with adults whose opinions influence education in Scotland. The children will demonstrate in a creative way, what holds children back, what works well and what can be improved in schools. The new Minister for Schools, Keith Brown and Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Kathleen Marshall are among the adults taking part.

Children’s Parliament Director, Cathy McCulloch, said:

“We want to remind people that children are the experts in their own lives. We believe that giving children the time and space to think about issues that affect them, helps adults better understand children’s lives and provides an opportunity for children to play their part in finding solutions that work.

“This isn’t a case of children demanding this or that; it’s more an opportunity for children and decision-makers to listen to each other in order to achieve greater understanding and begin what we hope will be ongoing and effective relationships.

“The children don’t expect difficult issues to be resolved overnight but hopefully some changes will result from this event, which we believe to be the first of its kind in Scotland,” she said.

The afternoon will be given over to a tour of the labyrinth where the invited adults will take part in focus group discussions. The Gathering is part of the Children’s Parliament’s ‘big conversations’ approach to overcoming the ‘democratic deficit’ of children having no say in the decisions that affect them.

Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People (SCCYP), Kathleen Marshall, said:

“The work of the Children’s Parliament connects very well with the principal activities of the commissioner’s office, in that it works to provide a proper voice to those who so often find themselves ignored, sidelined and unheard,” she said.

“Children have no vote, no democratic route to express their opinions. But that does not mean their opinions shouldn’t count. I am looking forward to seeing exactly how they perceive their education and their school environment and I expect to be inspired by the outcomes of the exercise.”

The Gathering works within the principles of the Curriculum for Excellence which asks that a broad, creative and inclusive approach to education is taken in Scotland. 

Minister for Schools and Skills, Keith Brown, said:

 “Close engagement with young people is essential to the success of Curriculum for Excellence, our new approach to teaching and learning in Scotland’s schools. That’s why I am delighted to support The Gathering and the work of the Children’s Parliament.

 “We must ensure that children can express their views as they have an important role to play in shaping those services and policies that directly impact their lives. Listening to the voice of our young people will help the Scottish Government to make the right decisions that will create a successful future for our country.”

 Following The Gathering event in Scotland the adult participants will be invited to make pledges to the children, picking up from discussions on the day. The children hope to invite all the participants back towards the end of the year to talk about progress made, and assess what changes have been made.

The Gathering will take place on Friday March 6, 2009 at the Roxy Arts Centre, Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh. Adult participants will attend from 1.30pm. Images from the day will be available to media on request.

The Children’s Parliament (http://www.childrensparliament.org.uk/index.php)

·         The Children's Parliament provides sustainable and meaningful opportunities for children aged 9 to 14 years old to engage in local, national and international democratic processes.

·         The Children's Parliament challenges the notion that only the most confident and articulate can understand or participate in our society. It enables children from all backgrounds and of all abilities to work together to share experiences that make active citizenship a reality.

·         The Children's Parliament is positive about Scotland's children.

 

SCCYP (http://www.sccyp.org.uk/)