Wierenga’s Star

In the report, Wierenga [46] and the youth researchers discuss the ideas of citizenship and youth development and debunk both of these as concepts that can limit young people’s participation through adult perceptions of their capability. They prefer to focus on strengths-based, recognising that young people already have something to offer society, and already have a sense of agency. Education is useful to build skills further, but it does not need to be according to adult agendas nor fit within existing structures. The participation process needs to be collaborative and recognise there is mutual learning to be had [46].

Wierenga’s star acknowledges that young people want to have direct action and influence in the decisions that affect them. It can be hard for young people to track their influence, and the story of their involvement in shaping decision making is too easily lost in restructures, policy development cycles and political agendas. Wierenga [46] challenges us to address these issues in our practice and keep young people at the centre of the process [47].