Child participation, a social strategy for strengthening children´s autonomy

Abstract

Autonomy is essential for human development, as it allows critical thinking, reflection and strengthens self-concept, in addition to encouraging responsible decision making. This project seeks to promote child participation as a strategy to foster autonomy in Comuna Uno of the municipality of Soacha. 

To develop this project, a qualitative approach was used using the Participatory Action Research design and based on the socio-critical paradigm, this approach allowed a deep understanding of the population that was impacted.

In the initial research phase, a lack of recognition of childhood, child participation, autonomy, rights and duties was identified, in response, pedagogical workshops were conducted to strengthen participation and autonomy. The results address the importance of empowering children and their families through initiatives that promote autonomy, personal growth, and the recognition of their rights and duties. In addition, the aim is for children to be promoters of peace and to develop critical thinking in their environment.