“Inclusion of Participation Rights of Children within Nongovernmental Organizations” Fostering Child Participation in Gothenburg

Abstract: The aim of this study is to find out how the concept of child participation is being used within four selected NGOs working with children in Gothenburg. Child participation is just one of the principles of the CRC and many researches have been carried out about the concept. To understand how nongovernmental organizations in Gothenburg foster child participation, I designed some research questions which getting appropriate answers to the questions give me a broader understanding of how child participation is been enhanced. The study focuses on four nongovernmental organizations, which are Bryggan, Gyllingen, Bonavia and Save the Children and analyzes their different perceptions about the concept of child participation. Data were collected through interviews with the organizations. The paper concludes that Children whose views are taken seriously are also an important tool in protecting the child. When being acknowledged as an individual with rights and competence children are being empowered to act and influence matters of their own concerns.