KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Jamaica observes Child Month, the Fi We Children Foundation is calling on policymakers, institutions, schools, and community stakeholders to move beyond symbolic participation and ensure that children and young people are meaningfully consulted on policies and decisions that directly affect their lives.

In a statement on Thursday, the foundation noted that while children and youth are frequently encouraged to “use their voice,” many national and community level discussions continue to exclude them from decision making spaces.

The organisation maintained that authentic youth participation is critical to building safer schools, stronger communities, and more inclusive national development policies.