Chawla, Louise

This article begins by reviewing some of the general issues surrounding the evaluation of participation that emerged from a symposium on Children's Participation in Community Settings held in Norway in June 2000. It then examines opportunities and constraints shaping children's participation, what channels are being created for children to participate in their communities and what form these opportunities usually take.

This article, as part of the special 50th issue of PLA Notes, highlights some of the learning that has been gained from discourse and practice relating to young people's participation and how it might be integrated into the broader development field. The article links background and theoretical ideas to practical learning and application in the field. Citing examples such as the Soweto uprising and the Palestinian Intifada, the authors look at young people's potential for political action.