"THE PARK IS OURS, THE DECISION IS OURS"

Children had a say about their surroundings at the "The Park Is Ours, The Decision Is Ours" workshop organized by the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Fairytale Castle. Children ages 6-8 described their dream parks and neighborhoods, then took the stage to share their ideas.

The Metropolitan Municipality Fairytale Castle hosted a meaningful workshop as part of its summer activities. In the "The Park Is Ours, The Decision Is Ours" workshop, children ages 6-8 expressed their feelings and thoughts about their neighborhoods and surroundings.

The children took the stage at the Little Assembly, organized under the guidance of Mayor Baykuş, and explained the kind of city they want to live in. The children wanted parks to be safe, clean, and fun, and requested more playgrounds and green spaces in their neighborhoods. At the end of the workshop, the children designed their dream city with colorful paints.

The event, which also contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) of "Quality Education," "Sustainable Cities and Communities," "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions," and "Partnerships for the Goals," provided children with a sustainable participation environment. It also provided them with a voice in decision-making processes, in line with the 2025 theme of European Local Democracy Week (ELDW), "Engaging Citizens in Local Democracy."

Fairytale Castle educators emphasized the right of children to participate, stating that such activities foster a sense of active citizenship for children. They announced that the Little Assembly meetings will continue with new sessions.