A WORLD WITHIN REACH OF CHILDREN AND YOUNGSTERS

notes of children and youngsters as protagonists in public budget matters in Brazilian cities

Abstract

This paper presents elements to understand the participation of children and youngsters in the public administration, mainly regarding the public budget. Firstly, I have analyzed the motivation that leads to the integration of youngsters and children in matters which were considered a privilege of a limited group of adult technicians and politicians in the past. I have also presented and analyzed facts and data collected in some experiences, specially the Public Budget for Children in São Paulo, SP. As a conclusion, I argue that the fact of keeping children and youngsters apart from the world, even if the justification for doing so is their protection, not only prevents them from developing as individuals and citizens, but also represents the waste of potential creativity and energy which today's societies need in order to rethink and rebuild themselves.