Funky Dragon
FUNKY DRAGON IS THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY FOR WALES.
Their aim is to give children and young people the opportunity to get their voices heard on issues that affect them and to be involved in decision making and encourage active citizenship at local and national levels in Wales, including the Welsh Assembly Government.
In order to fulfil these aims Funky Dragon follows the following objectives:
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To undertake consultations with children and young people around relevant policies, strategies and initiatives and to pass on the outcomes to the relevant people
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To work with local forums and other participation based organisations and groups to ensure participation of children and young people
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To provide links with similar organisations in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, with relevant UK wide bodies, in Europe and beyond
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To participate in monitoring and reporting processes around the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC)
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To work in partnership with the Assembly in exchanging information, developing accessible briefing and in planning and running annual gatherings
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To provide information and training materials to support consultations with children and young people
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To maintain regular contact with children and young people particularly through the Funky Dragon website www.funkydragon.org.uk
SO HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
For several years there was no mechanism for children and young people to get their voice heard at a National level in Wales, and it was very limited at a Local level. However, as knowledge of the UNCRC and particularly Article 12 spread, opportunities became more and more!
As devolution became more of a reality for Wales, people started thinking about developing a national organisation. In the beginning only a few people came together to discuss what could happen and this was the start of a long process to ensure children and young people in Wales could have a mechanism whereby their voices could be heard at a National Level. Young people were involved in this process right from the beginning and this way of working has been central to its development to date.
Thankfully after many years of hard work, this vision became a reality, and the organisation that was developed is what we know today as...
** FUNKY DRAGON **
Please click here to find out more about what Funky Dragon looks like today, what Funky Dragon does and how you can become involved.
AVOW's Children and Young People's Development Officer produces a 'Guide to FUNKY DRAGON for Young People from Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups in Wrexham. THIS WILL BE ADDED VERY SOON.
If you would like more information on Funky Dragon please click here to be taken to our Funky Dragon useful contacts page.
