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Cotacachi,
Ecuador:
Children and Youth as Partners for Local Management
Cotacachi,
Eduador has a population of 33,250 inhabitants and is an urban-rural
municipality composed of indigenous peoples (60%), mestizos (38%)
and afro-Ecuadorians (2%). National statistics indicate that 80%
of the population is living under the poverty line. In an effort
to improve the lives of citizens, the Mayor of Cotacachi promoted
citizen involvement in planning and management to consolidate
economic, legal, organizational, social-cultural, and institutional
bases towards equitable economic development in the canton territory.
Since 1996, the Mayor of Cotacachi has been conducting a participatory
General Assembly for the Development of the Canton (350 members).
With support from UMP, children and youth form a part the Assembly
and their proposals have been included as part of the Local Development
Plan since 1999.
Results
• After a long participatory process, 270 children aged 9 to 15
celebrated their first Local Congress. Forty of their delegates
attend the General Assembly, acting both at the working groups
and the Management and Development Executive Committee
• During the last Assembly, the creation of a Centre for the Promotion
of Childhood was approved, with the City Council and the Mayor
responsible for its management
• Gender and ethnic background equity have been considered at
all stages of the process. On average, 40% of the participants
are girls and 35% are indigenous and afro-Ecuadorians. A greater
sense of citizenship has been built for all of them
• The inclusion of new actors has strengthened the General Assembly
and the Local Development Plan
• Cotacachi won the 2000 Dubai International Award for Best Practices
on Urban Management
Follow
up
Children have assumed their rights and responsibilities as members
of the General Assembly and, at the same time, adults have also
accepted their right to participate. The local government is developing
the feasibility studies for the Centre for the Promotion of Childhood.
UMP LAC has supported several other similar experiences within
the regional context. A few months ago, Cotacachi attended a regional
seminar on Children City Councils hosted by the Municipality of
Barra Mansa, Brasil. The possibility of creating a working group
of Cities on this issue was discussed, in order to disseminate
those experiences within the Region and as a regional contribution
to the UNCHS Good Governance Campaign. As a result of the experience,
Cotacachi has build up working links with many other different
initiatives promoted by International Development Agencies, but
as a whole, both the local government and the General Assembly
agree on a self-sustained model of Development.
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