Empowering Children: Principles, Strategies, and Techniques for Mobilizing Child Participation in the Development Process

Empowering Children is especially designed for field practitioners seeking ways to encourage young people-particularly the marginalized-to become more involved in changing their circumstances. Through dozens of exercises and lessons, the book presents a variety of practical methods for engaging children in the development process-from assessments to evaluations. Discussions on issues such as personal empowerment, self-esteem, problem analysis, and child protection can equip leaders to help children serve as agents of change who understand how valuable they are. The book concludes with preparations for a community child participation plan. From a Christian perspective, the realization that all children have dignity and are created in the image of God helps us to see that every child's input is valuable. The Bible's concepts of community, church, and mission further help us to see that God not only uses kids in his wonderful plan, but that he also wants all of his children-male, female, young, and old-to participate in his work in the world.

Dr. Ravi I. Jayakaran has long term leadership experience in International poverty reduction and strategic programming.Ravi has worked in senior management positions in the corporate sector, International NGOs- including World Vision International, the Asian Development Bank(ADB) and the United Nations Development Program(UNDP). He has lived and worked long term in India, Cambodia, China and the US and provided technical support in more than 23 countries. Dr Ravi and his wife Vimla came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior while they were in University. Besides their engagement with Integral mission, they are actively involved with their local Church, Small group and Christian Counseling. Ravi and Vimla recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. They have 2 sons -Amit and Rohit who also know and love the Lord. They are both married and have their own families and live in Maine and Dubai respectively.

Jennifer Orona, MA, is a freelance editor who has worked with children in various countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. She completed her master's degree in cross-cultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, specializing in children at risk. Her desire is to help children by providing accessible and practical training materials to caregivers around the world.