00:00A year on from being named the UK's first UNICEF Child-Friendly City, Cardiff Council
00:07have taken a look at their achievements in that time and look on to future plans to expand
00:11on their successes so far.
00:13In November 2023, it was announced Cardiff led the way in terms of child-friendly initiatives
00:18in the city and working alongside UNICEF, were named on the official global list.
00:23The Child-Friendly City's initiative spans across the world and UNICEF claims it wants
00:28to promote every child, whether they live in care, using children's centres or even
00:33just visit a local library, to have a meaningful say in their community and decisions made
00:37there.
00:38UNICEF provides training on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Children and
00:43supports local councils and organisations who take part.
00:47There are four areas in particular that the council say they have been pushing over the
00:50last year and it's something they want to continue on in their Child-Friendly City journey.
00:55These four points start with education.
00:57The council workforce have had training on the United Nations Convention on the Rights
01:01of Children and so far say 70% of staff have been trained fully on the Charter.
01:06They also say that almost every school in Cardiff has now signed up to the Rights Respecting
01:11Schools initiative so young people understand their rights and can advocate for them.
01:16Participation is the next big step Cardiff Council say they have made and claim 3,000
01:20hours of council time has been spent by young people expressing themselves in meeting settings
01:25and have their voices heard.
01:27Thirdly, public spaces is a priority as part of the scheme and improving parks and spaces
01:32for young people to play and take insights from young people as to the direction that
01:37new outdoor spaces should take.
01:39Finally, inclusion is a massive part of the scheme and the council say that they have
01:43promoted the rights of disabled children and those with additional needs to have as big
01:48a part in their communities as other children.
01:50Cardiff Council say they hope to continue on their path to creating more opportunities
01:54for young people and creating a safe, caring city for young people to thrive.
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