Having a voice is important to engage in a community. It indicates that one is invited to express their ideas and opinions and that these are taken seriously.
Having a voice is strongly related to recognition, ownership and belonging. The right for children to have a say over matters that affect their lives is even outlined in Article 12 of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989).
Therefore, many schools aim to strengthen student voice within their schools or the voice of parents and care takers on school matters.
In the section with additional tools, suggestions are given to strengthen the voice of pupils/students, staff members, parents or local partners.
Several schools provide inspiring examples of how they create space for the voice of pupils/studens, staff members, parents or local partners.