Helena Leal, the councilor responsible for Education, reaffirmed Funchal Municipality's commitment to children's participation in the development of municipal policies. The statement was made at the opening of the 34th EECERA International Conference, themed "The development of agency, participation and democracy in the digital age."
Leal highlighted the importance of hosting researchers and educators to discuss the challenges of early childhood education. She emphasized that "children are not just citizens of the future. They are citizens of the present," citing the Local Strategy for Children's Rights, developed with the participation of over 600 children and young people.
The "Children in Participation" project was mentioned as a way for young people to identify problems and present proposals that are implemented by the Municipality. The councilor underscored Funchal's vision as an Educating City and a Child-Friendly City, where child participation is an essential dimension of citizenship, and addressed the importance of digital literacy for critical and safe participation in the online world.
