Child Participation

When developing tenant engagement initiatives and communication tactics, one must define target audiences. In social housing, our tenants are the primary focus. But, when one considers a tenant, we often limit our scope to only focusing on the adults and their needs, wants and concerns. But what about our youngest tenants- the children?

At Madulammoho, our children tenants are a central piece to our communication puzzle. In impoverished households, child neglect is a visible social reality. As parents struggle to keep their children’s stomachs full and a roof over their heads, children often do not receive the attention they deserve. Playtime, mentoring and parental supervision become secondary to working multiple jobs and paying bills. The heavy weight brought on by social issues creates barriers between children and their parents. This results in children developing behavioural issues and acting out in ways that damage projects. From clogging toilets with garbage, to writing on walls and not tending to house rules, children cause maintenance, security and ongoing project issues.
How do we build supportive relationships with these children to promote healthy behaviour and positive action in the projects?

Our children tenants are leaders of our future, and their eyes and ears see things that perhaps adults do not. Children offer a different perspective on tenant issues and are often the most open to share their honest views and opinions. They need a platform to raise their concerns and to discover the power of their own voices, minds and spirits. To implement change and increase tenant engagement in sustaining Madulammoho’s vision, we must create a space and nurture ongoing dialogue with our young audience—our future.
But once again, the question is how?

Children embody a sense of innocence that must be preserved through education. We can spark their interest through awareness raising activities and natural curiosity through critical thinking and problem solving.

Rather than punishing children for not adhering to House Rules, I decided to call a meeting with the children at Resdoc House. At the meeting, I presented the children with a story that revealed the mission of Madulammoho, the history of Resdoc House and the ongoing unruly acts of child tenants in a way that they could understand. I created a story that had a beginning and middle, but not an end.

As their understanding of issues at Resdoc peaked, along with their enthusiasm and drive to make Resdoc better, the story asked them “What can you do to make Resdoc better?”

As the children’s hands flailed in the air, they each took their turn to pick a coloured marker. With this marker, they wrote down one or two House Rules that they thought would make Resdoc better. The children discussed each rule and cheered in approval, feeling empowered realizing that that while their behaviour was part of the problem it was also the biggest part of the solution.

After an hour, the children created their own list of House Rules, which will proudly serve as a reminder of their commitment in making their home, Resdoc, better.

by Kelly Trottier, Communications Officer, Madulammoho