The Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town has published its annual Child Gauge. In addition to providing an annual update on the status of children’s socio-economic rights in “Part Three: Children Count”, the Gauge provides 11 essays written by child-participation experts on Children as Citizens: Participation in Social Dialogue.

The essays range from an analysis of the legal right of participation to overviews of how this right can be realised and the way that this has been facilitated in different settings, such as government policy and budgeting processes, school governance systems, the media and others. The report has been published together with a child-friendly version as well as a large poster on the right, benefits and practicalities of child participation.

“Part Three: Children Count” presents data from 2002 to 2009 and identifies main trends over the eight-year period. Progress is tracked through indicators relevant to: the demography of South Africa’s children; income poverty, unemployment and social grants; child health; children’s access to education; children’s access to housing; and children’s access to basic services.

A full electronic copy of the Gauge can be accessed on the CI’s website at www.ci.org.za

In addition, hard copies of the report can be purchased from the CI. If you wish to order a copy, please contact the CI on 021 689 5404.

WEB LINKS FOR THIS ARTICLE

Click here to view the child-friendly version of the CI report.