Dongjak-gu has formed a children's policy committee to expand children's participation in local governance, with the body now fully operational.
The district held an inaugural ceremony Saturday on the fifth floor of the district office building, with District Mayor Ryu Sam-young and about 80 attendees — including committee members, youth mentors and parents — taking part.
The ceremony proceeded in order: an introduction to the children's policy committee, a reading of the launch declaration, a presentation of appointment certificates to child members and youth mentors, and a commemorative photo session.
Participants then watched a film on children's rights before organizing into subcommittees and electing subcommittee chairs, formally beginning the committee's work.
The children's policy committee is a participatory body through which children themselves identify local issues and propose policy solutions.
In June, the district selected 45 members from among children aged from third grade in elementary school to under 18 who are either registered residents of Dongjak-gu or enrolled in a school within the district.
In addition, a youth mentor group of 10 young people will support the committee's work by facilitating subcommittee discussions and compiling members' opinions.
Starting from the inaugural ceremony, members will develop specific policy proposals through regular and ad hoc meetings and subcommittee activities running through October.
In November, the committee will hold a results presentation to share its achievements and submit a formal policy proposal to the district office. The district plans to actively review the suggestions and incorporate them into district administration.
The district has previously reflected children's input in a range of child-friendly policies, including hosting a children's grand festival and expanding its Kium after-school care centers.
"I hope children will freely share their ideas through the children's policy committee and take part in shaping district governance," District Mayor Ryu said. "We will listen closely and provide active support so that the diverse opinions coming from children's own perspectives can in fact be reflected in real policy."
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