Step 6. Space

First in the Lundy model is “Space”. For children to participate in DRR activities, they need to be provided with a relevant task about which, and a space in which they are encouraged to ex press their views. Think about 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.

Step 5.1. Financial resources

Guiding questions:

  • What financial resources would you need to carry out your work? (Please list all the costs you are aware of, including those related to travel, meetings, staff, materials, and safeguarding measures.)
  • Are the children reimbursed in any (financial or in-kind) way for their time and contribution?
  • When reflecting on these costs, what other costs might show up? (For this question, get into the headspace of a pessimist!)
  • Do you have these financial resources? 
  • If not, how can you adapt your plans, what can you change to still work with children in a meaningful way?

Step 5.2. Human resources

Guiding questions:

  • How many people need to be involved to ensure child participation in your organisation?
  • What kind of competencies and skills do they need?
  • Is there anyone involved in your organisation who has knowledge or formal training in working with children?
  • If not, what formal training and knowledge can be acquired before starting the work?

Step 5.3. Time

Guiding questions:

  • How much time do you need for planning, doing the work, and follow-up activities?
  • How much time do the children need to spend on the activities and when?
  • How can you ensure you have enough time to plan and complete your work effectively? 

Hopefully, you now better understand the resources you need. If there is a significant gap between your current resources and the resources required, and you are unsure how to bridge this gap, seek advice from someone experienced in working with children.

Tools/Resources:

  1. Project Cost Estimation: How to Estimate Project Cost
    ProjectManager
    A blog post that gives advice about efficient cost estimation.
  2. How to Estimate Project Cost in 8 Steps (Accurately)
    Toggl
    A guide on estimating project costs through an 8-step process.
  3. Time Estimation in Project Management: Tips & Techniques
    ProjectManager
    A blog post that gives tips for time esimation in project management.

Before you go to the next steps

If you have considered all the steps up to this point: great! You are almost ready to get started. 

The next four steps in this guide are based on the Lundy Model. Before you go through the next four steps, please visit the Lundy Model to ensure that you have a basic understanding of it. The Lundy model is a child participation model trying to make the demands of Article 12 of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child explicit. Article 12 describes that children have a right to participate in all matters affecting them. The Lundy model is based on the thought that for Article 12 to be successfully implemented, four distinct aspects must be taken into account: space, voice, audience, and influence.