PJ Children Forum 2009

It is truly a forum for children and teenagers and by the young adults. It is a forum without academic discourse and theoretical flavour, but lend towards fun-filled exercise for participants to express their views and ideas for a child friendly city of Petaling Jaya via graphic, illustrations, models and games. This is the inaugural Children Forum for Child Friendly City of Petaling Jaya held in conjunction with the 3rd Anniversary of PJ City last Saturday.

At the end of the day, the ideas are exactly similar to the views brought out by the adults during other occasions, but with more creativity and innovations. The children envision creating a safe, healthy, sustainable, fun, comfortable and futuristic city from their points of view. For example, building a child friendly toilet for the children. We have not thoughtful about making our toilet conducive enough for the children, isn't it? For an inclusive society, we have to listen to all stakeholders especially the children as a city friendly to children is a friendly city for all.

The one-day Forum was full of music and surprises, and gifts. Such circumstances might not be welcome by the adult as the loud music and "hot" environment is a bit disturbing. However, judging from the response of the participants, I was convinced that the methodology and approaches are what needed for the children and teenagers. For effective engagement with the children, we need to revamp our approaches.

I observed the non-commitment of particular group of children as well. The group sat among themselves and shy away from many of the group activities. While others enjoyed meeting with new friends and interacted actively, these groups isolated themselves. This must be a miniature of community grouping in Petaling Jaya waiting to be broke. We have to minimise the segregation of people by providing them opportunities to interact, to reach out, to understand each others, to create consensus and to work together for an united PJ. We have to do it fast, especially with the children as value imposed on them during childhood time will growth deeper over years.

I am of opinion that the Children Forum should become an annual event. Children is our future, without the involvement of children, development of PJ will not have a bright future, I presume.