Tusla awards honours Tipperary County Council for giving young people a voice
Tipperary County Council received an award at the Tusla Child and Youth Participation Awards in Dublin this week
Tipperary County Council this week received an award at the Tusla Child and Youth Participation Awards in Dublin for supporting the children of Clonmel in having their voices heard in decisions that affect them.
Tipperary County Council was among 200 young people and 29 services across the country that were celebrated for their commitment to listening to the voices of children and young people.
Under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), all children have a right to have their voice heard in any decision that affects them. Among the winners were county councils, youth clubs, training centres and Montessori schools, and each service was represented by the children and young people who contributed to projects that ensured that this right is upheld for those who use their service.
Tusla partnered with Gaisce, the Children’s Rights Alliance, the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, Hub na nÓg, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the awards.
Tipperary County Council received the award for its consultation with children and young people on quality of life in Clonmel. To this end, the Council collaborated with TUS and the South Tipperary Arts Centre.
Focus groups were held with children and young people of varying ages. From a virtual bus ride around the town, the development of a questionnaire, and the collating of postcards detailing potential changes that were sent to decision makers in the council, young people report many positive changes in the town. Transport links have improved, parks have been upgraded and a youth festival will now be held yearly. Child-friendly coffee shops have also been suggested.