Yashaswini is a 14-year-old student at a government high school in Sodenhalli, India. Before the Child Parliament Strengthening Program was introduced in her school, she often sat quietly at the back of the classroom. Like many students her age, she believed that decisions were meant for teachers and elders, not for children.
“I wanted to speak up, but I never felt confident. I thought only teachers and elders could make decisions,” she shared.
Although the school functioned as usual, issues such as unmanaged waste and the lack of greenery were often overlooked. Students noticed these concerns but did not know how to raise them or take action.
That changed when Good Neighbors India introduced the Child Parliament Strengthening Program. Through the program, students learned how to work together, discuss issues, and take responsibility for improving their school environment. For Yashaswini, it was the first time she realized that students could actively contribute to solutions.
Yashaswini was elected as the Defence Minister of her school’s Child Parliament. In this role, she helped install a suggestion and complaint box so students could safely share their concerns. She also worked with teachers to improve safety rules during school assemblies and supported the committee in checking that emergency exits and corridors remained clear.
“When the suggestion/complete box was opened for the first time, I felt glad to see students trusting the system. It made me feel proud that I could help make our school a safer place for everyone,” she said.
Beyond leadership roles, the program exposed students to practical learning experiences. Yashaswini participated in digital safety sessions, first-aid training, tree plantation drives, and climate awareness activities. Teachers also received training on child participation, which helped create a more supportive and respectful learning environment.
For Yashaswini, the most important change was personal. She no longer hesitates to share her ideas or speak in front of others. Inspired by her experience, she now dreams of becoming a teacher so she can help other children find confidence in their own voices.
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development organization founded in 1991, working in over 50 countries to make the world a place without hunger and where people live in harmony. Engaging with over 200 communities globally, we empower people and transform communities through social and economic development initiatives. Good Neighbors has General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) since 1996.
For further information, please contact Good Neighbors Global Partnership Center.
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