Devex - International NGO heads call for #globaldev restructure

"Heavyweight global development leaders will call for a “tectonic shift” in the sector’s approach to development at the global civil society activists’ WorldSocial Forum meeting in Tunisia this week.

The heads of ActionAid International, Oxfam International, Greenpeace International,CIVICUS and Association for Women’s Rights in Development have together committed to adapting future work toward strengthening the power of the poorest people to challenge the wealthiest 1 percent in the world.

In a statement of intent published today, March 23, the group argues development implementers need to go “beyond tinkering” and address the “structural causes of inequality.” They warn governments across the world have fallen under the influence of corporations that have convinced them to allow actions that damage citizens, such as land grabs, tax avoidance, climate destruction and clamping down on nongovernmental organizations, civil society and unions because they threaten corporate power..."

Read the full article on Devex.com.

CYP Now - Declaration of independence: Anne Longfield, children's commissioner for England

“Over the next six years, Anne Longfield, the new children's commissioner for England, will be the leading independent voice promoting children's rights, views and interests in the country, and for some matters across the entire UK. Yet a visitor to her office may be surprised to find it located within the Department for Education's Great Smith Street building in central London. Such proximity to the department only adds to the speculation that has dogged her since being appointed by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan in November 2014 - namely that Longfield is too close to government.

"We do have a separate door," asserts Longfield when asked about the Office of the Children's Commissioner's (OCC) relationship with its neighbour. "We are looking for new offices and hope to be able to move later this year. It's an important symbolic issue being in a separate building."

Longfield explains that the department was forced to take up the offices 18 months ago because of a shortage of accommodation and high office prices. She also insists DfE officials cannot stop by her desk without warning. "We have our own security on the door," she says. "It's not a cosy relationship that people might be worried about…"

Read the full interview at Children &Young People Now online.

Devex - 3 key ingredients for building a peaceful generation

"Millions of young people affected by conflict around the world are trying to make their voices heard. Whether they do so peacefully depends on their inclusion in communities’ social and political development.

“If you are left out, you are filled with anger,” says Vivian Onano, a 24-year-old Kenyan activist. “The only way you can have your voice heard is by creating unrest.”

The United Nations Population Fund estimates that there are 1.8 billion young people aged 10 to 24 globally; developing this generation into peace builders is widely seen as imperative. Yet young people working on peace initiatives often lack support identifying and challenging the issues holding them back..."

Read the full article on Devex.com.

CYP Now - A day in the life of a pupil referral unit

"By 9am most of Kingsland School's pupils have arrived. On entering the neat, Victorian building in residential Oldham, the young people are searched, handing over mobile phones, lighters or cigarettes to cheerful reception staff for the day. As they enter the school hall, teachers greet them warmly and chat.

Some of the school's 93 pupils came early for free toast at breakfast club. If it's a Monday or Friday, they go straight to class. The rest of the week, days start with form time. But some children need a few private minutes before they are ready to learn. "If you need to have time out, they say 'Just go and have five minutes'," explains year 11 student Chantalle Kennedy, 15. "The staff sit with you, but they won't say anything until you're ready to talk. Some people just need to see the teacher cares."

"Just take five minutes" is an often-used phrase at Kingsland. As Oldham's only pupil referral unit (PRU), it caters for children permanently excluded from mainstream school, and those with medical or psychological needs. The two services are delivered in the same building by the same staff, but completely separately. The pupil support centre (PSC) is for children with undiagnosed special needs, disciplinary or behavioural issues resulting in a permanent exclusion. The specialist learning centre (SLC) takes students referred by child and adolescent mental health services, with a medical problem or who are pregnant..."

Read the full feature at Children & Young People Now online.