Children's Institute holds a 'dotmocracy' workshop with the Western Cape Commissioner for Children

In January 2024, the Children’s Institute held a workshop with the Western Cape Commissioner for Children’s (WCCC) child government monitors. The workshop was aimed at designing and planning the Participatory Action Research that the WCCC is currently planning with the International and Canadian Child Rights Partnership (ICCRP). The programme included research method activities, and the crowd favourites were the body maps, and 'dotmocracy'.

The former involved the participants drawing outlines of themselves and writing what makes them activists. This activity resonated with many, showcasing “everyone’s personal growth not only as a person but as an activist” according to John-Lee, one of the participants.

The dotmocracy method activity asked participants to identify whether certain challenges were a high priority within their respective communities was also a standout activity. This collaborative approach fostered empathy and understanding, highlighting the common threads of struggle that connect them despite differing realities.

Read more about the workshop in the ICCRP April 2024 newsletter.