The Association for Progressive Society operates a unique children’s parliament dedicated to the comprehensive development of young individuals. This initiative nurtures various facets of their growth, emphasizing both personality enhancement and academic education. Participants are kept informed about current global events and are provided with training in diverse skills essential for contributing to the nation's progress. Through this children’s parliament, the association aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and abilities required to lead and innovate in the future.

Children Parliament

The Children's Parliament is an innovative and engaging platform designed to empower children by involving them in activities that mirror real-world governance, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative not only makes learning fun and interactive but also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership in young participants.

Structure and Roles

The Children's Parliament comprises a dynamic group of children, with a membership range between 21 and 42 participants. This structure ensures a diverse and manageable assembly of young minds, each eager to learn and contribute.

SDG Ministers

Children are appointed as SDG Ministers, each responsible for one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These roles include, but are not limited to:

Quality Education Minister (SDG 4)

Zero Hunger Minister (SDG 2)

Gender Equality Minister (SDG 5)

Climate Action Minister (SDG 13)

Each minister is tasked with understanding their specific SDG, promoting awareness, and brainstorming actionable ideas to address related issues within their communities.

Main Ministers

In addition to the SDG Ministers, there are four key ministerial roles that provide leadership and ensure the smooth functioning of the Parliament:

Prime Minister:   Leads the Parliament, facilitates meetings, and represents the collective voice of the children. The Prime Minister takes weekly meetings to discuss ongoing activities, ensuring everyone is engaged and on track.

Home Minister:  Manages internal affairs, ensuring that the Parliament operates in a cohesive and disciplined manner.

Finance Minister:   Oversees the financial aspects, including budgeting for projects and ensuring transparency in financial matters.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister:  Responsible for organizing meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring that parliamentary procedures are adhered to.

Activities and Meetings

The Children's Parliament is designed to be an enjoyable and enriching experience. The weekly meetings led by the child Prime Minister are a central feature, where members gather to discuss their progress, share ideas, and plan future activities. These meetings are structured yet flexible, allowing children to express their creativity and take ownership of their roles.

Education and Training

The APS Team plays a crucial role in educating the children about the SDGs. This educational component is multifaceted, involving:

Purpose and Goals of the SDGs:  Children learn about the 17 SDGs, their origins, and why they were created. They explore the global challenges each goal addresses, such as poverty, hunger, education, and climate change.

Interactive Learning:  Education sessions are designed to be interactive, using games, discussions, and multimedia resources to make learning about the SDGs engaging and memorable.

Specialist Involvement:   Specialists from various fields are invited to provide in-depth knowledge and practical insights. These experts include academics, practitioners, government officials, and business leaders who share their expertise and experiences related to the SDGs.

Practical Workshop: Children participate in workshops that develop their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management. These workshops are crucial for building confidence and competence in their ministerial roles.

Impact and Benefits

The Children's Parliament is not just an educational initiative; it's a transformative experience that offers numerous benefits:

Empowerment: Children gain a sense of empowerment as they take on leadership roles and contribute to meaningful discussions and projects.

Awareness: Participants develop a deep understanding of global issues and the importance of sustainable development.

Skills Development: The hands-on activities and workshops help children develop valuable skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Community Engagement:  By working on projects related to their SDGs, children become more engaged with their communities, learning the importance of civic responsibility and community service.

The Children's Parliament is a fun and excellent activity that nurtures future leaders by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to make a difference. Through the combination of structured roles, interactive learning, and specialist training, children are equipped to understand and address some of the world's most pressing challenges. This initiative not only educates but also inspires children to be proactive agents of change in their communities and beyond.