This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with Unicef Malaysia following the signing of the CFCI MoU in October 2022, said a press release issued by MBKS today.
KUCHING (May 24): The Kuching City South Council (MBKS) has announced the establishment of a Child Council as part of its commitment to the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).
This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) Malaysia following the signing of the CFCI memorandum of understanding (MoU) in October 2022, said a press release issued by MBKS today.
According to MBKS, the Child Council aims to involve children aged 11 to 17 in the development of policies and projects that impact their lives.
“As Kuching strives to become a child-friendly city, it is crucial to recognise and incorporate the voices of our younger residents. The establishment of the Child Council is a significant step towards ensuring children’s perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
“Their input will be invaluable in creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for all children in Kuching,” it said.
MBKS thus invited the public to encourage their children living within its jurisdictions to participate in the Child Council.
“This is an opportunity for young people to express their views, contribute to their community and develop leadership skills,” it said.
The selection process will be based on the application form, potential interviews and other criteria set by the MBKS’ selection committee.
MBKS pointed out that selected members must attend regular meetings and participate in council activities.
The council said members are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly at all times, adding: “They must actively contribute to discussions, projects and initiatives.”
MBKS assured that the personal information collected in the application form will be used solely for evaluating applications and administering the Child Council.
It pledged that all personal information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent.
“Parents/guardians must ensure that their child attends council meetings and activities safely. They will be informed of all council activities and any relevant updates.
“Participation in the Child Council is voluntary and members can withdraw at any time with written notice. The council reserves the right to dismiss a member for repeated non-attendance, misconduct or failure to meet participation requirements,” said MBKS.
Members and their parents or guardians have the right to provide feedback and suggest improvements to MBKS.
“By participating, members and their parents/guardians consent to the use of photographs and videos taken during council activities for promotional purposes.
“If a member does not wish to be photographed or filmed, they must notify the council in writing,” it added.
To join the Child Council, interested participants can get the MBKS Child Council Application Form from the MBKS website.
Completed forms must be submitted to the security counter located on the ground floor of MBKS Building, Jalan Padungan here, on or before June 6.
For queries, call Public Relations and Corporate Development Unit manager Ting Tiew Lik on 010-9223705.
“Together, let’s work towards making Kuching a truly child-friendly city by empowering our children and valuing their contributions,” said MBKS.