Space

First in the Lundy model is “Space”. For children to participate in DRR activities, they need to be provided with a space in which they are encouraged to express their views. Space encompasses physical buildings, outdoor areas, and/or Zoom meetings.  Emotional space is also included in the concept. When children get together to take part in DRR activities, the space needs to be welcoming and safe.

We have collected a series of questions that will help you determine what space means in your DRR context. These questions aim to ensure the space is good for your target group and the aims. A space where children feel welcomed and safe is necessary for ethical and meaningful participation.

Find out what space means in your DRR context

Guiding questions:

• What kind of physical space would facilitate participation and contribute towards your aim?  
• Is there anything thing you can do to make this space more welcoming and child-friendly?
• How can you ensure that this space is safe and inclusive? (Remember, all children are negatively impacted by disasters)
• Are there any additional complexities regarding space that arise from your DRR work? 

Find out what space means in your DRR context to your target group 

Guiding questions:

• Have you asked your target group what kind of space they would like to engage in?
• In what different ways can your target group co-create the physical space to feel included?
• How can children make decisions or be a part of the decision-making process?

Good practice examples:

• Barnahus Estonia putting the child at the centre when developing the physical space
  Barnahus Network
  Barnahus Estonia’s work with children and their impact on the physical space.

Tools and resources that will help you address the questions:

1. Some Principles for Creating Safe and Engaging Physical Spaces for Children
   FasterCapital
   Describes key principles for creating safe and engaging physical spaces for children.
2. Creating Child and Family-Friendly Environments
   Department of Social Services, Australia
   This document provides principles applicable to all child-friendly spaces.
3. Child-Friendly Spaces in Emergencies – A Practical Guide for Developing Child-Friendly Spaces
   UNICEF
   Outlining how to establish child-friendly spaces in emergency situations.
4. Child-Friendly Space in Emergencies
   Save the Children
   Highlighting how to create child-friendly spaces during emergencies.
5. How to Implement the Lundy Model in Your Organisation
   Participation People
   A checklist for applying the Lundy Model .