As part of CVC’s Peacebuilding Program, children from vulnerable communities and diverse nationalities took part in an interactive session on child rights and participation.

Divided into two groups, the children imagined themselves as leaders of their own countries. They created country names and developed rules about what should and should not be allowed for children, before presenting their ideas to one another.

As they discussed their imagined countries, the children brought up issues connected to realities they have encountered or observed, including child labour, racism, discrimination, and barriers to education due to a lack of required documentation.

One message emerged particularly strongly: every child should have the right to education without conditions that prevent them from accessing it.

The activity created a space for children to express their perspectives, listen to others, and imagine a society built around inclusion, equality, and dignity.

Through dialogue and participation, the children were not simply learning about their rights, they were imagining the kind of society they believe children deserve.