Time to listen

Thankfully, such nonsense is scarcely embraced now that we have entered the 21st century, but there are still question marks over just how much heed should be paid to children's opinions. For instance, should we listen to the views of supposedly 'immature' seven and eight year-olds, should we take into account their wishes on the sort of society and city they want to live in 25 or 30 years from now? Even when it's their futures we are deciding?

After all, they will be the ones who provide the momentum to drive that society, not us. They will be the people who inhabit whatever society we create for them, but do they have the understanding and imagination needed to give an input into the planning of the future city of Londonderry?

Anyone who scoffed at Ilex's decision to seek the opinions of primary school pupils, and who wondered how much wisdom a seven year-old offer, and what life experience they can bring to the table, can think again.

All doubts were emphatically cast aside when Ilex consulted with the very first primary school children, the Primary 5 and Primary 6 pupils from Oakgrove Integrated Primary School.

While they may not have life experience, they bring an innocence, a lack of cynicism and great imagination that adults often leave behind.

Most of all they bring a selfless concern for the people and the world around them.

Encouraged by teacher Louiseanne Quinn and Noelle McAlinden, Ilex's Creative Adsvisor, the youngsters of Oakgrove Integrated Primary School showed how very perceptive they were when they outlined their views on the potential environmental impact of Ilex's masterplan for the regeneration of the city.

At various points, they were encouraged to put on their imaginary yellow hats, when things were going well, black hats when things were not going well, and green hats to organise the things that they came up with with their black hat thinking.

Asked if they thought they had a say in decisions that affect them, very few raised their hands, though the response was markedly different when they were asked if they felt they had a say in decision-making at the school.

A small number told how they felt there was nowhere safe for them to play near their homes, and many spoke of the need to feel proud of their city, and to bring an end to problems like anti-social behaviour and littering.

They said they saw computing and IT jobs as important for future growth, as computers provide vast amounts of information and technology is always evolving.

They saw art and music as important vehicles of self-expression, as well as providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, and that the consequences of winning the UK City of Culture 2013 title were as important for the people of Londonderry as for the many new tourists this success will bring.

Asked how people could be helped, they talked about the need for new business start-ups that would create jobs, and, along with a bigger and better university, encourage young people to stay here rather than move away to forge new lives for themselves elsewhere.

Good education gives young people more chances, they said, and the plan will help provide that.

They also said the river was under-used and that many more activities could be provided there.

And how would these activities help?

Abbey: "It would make it more fun".

Emma Louise: "It would give the city a good reputation and people would come to visit."

John: "Visitors will tell others and then that will bring others."

Sean: "It will bring more money."

Mo Durkan, of Ilex told the children they were the people who would be most influenced by the plan: "You are the people who are going to enjoy this city, and get jobs and maybe go to university here. We want to make sure this works for all of you."

She also told them to hang onto their booklets as mementoes of the day they made history by becoming the first children to be consulted on what they wanted to see in the city they are growing up in.

Asked what had been left out of the plan, Emma Louise said there needs to be more projects to bring wildlife and fish to the River Foyle, like the Loughs Agency's Riverwatch.

Sean answered: "Teach people how to make their own decisions when they grow up."

Holly said she'd like to get involved in helping keep the city clean, and most of the children expressed a desire to contribute in a practical way to the plan.

Shakira: "I'd like to help people in other countries."

And what would happen when we encounter difficulties?

Ellie: "Then they will help us."

Asked what the city would be like 30 years from now, James replied: "It willl feel like home," while Emma Louise said: "I think it might turn out like New York city, and will lose all its culture, like big massive TVs in the Guildhall Square."

She added that she would prefer to see more open spaces.

Amber: "I would love to stay here and see what it looks like when I grow up."

Sean: "It will be more comfortable because of all the new ideas."

Some young people also said the needs of the elderly and disabled in 30 years time need to be more fully met, so that "they have a chance of a better life too".

On the subject of what might improve safety, they talk about a current lack of street lighting in some areas, and say there should be more shops selling reflective clothing and badges.

Anne Murray, Principal of Oakgrove Primary School said: "I think it is very important to have children discuss the plan for our city. I think we will be amazed at how they can consider such a big subject. It will be interesting for Ilex and others to hear their responses to a plan which after all will impact them more than any of us. Children should be central to this discussion and I think the children's booklet distributed to all our schools is a great way to have the children's voice hear. It also fits in very well with the curricular area of 'The World Around Us' where local issues should be discussed."

The children and young people's versions of the plan have been distributed to all primary and post primary schools and colleges in the Derry City Council area. They are also downloadable on www.ilex-urc.com (homepage).

One child from each school will be selected through a draw to join the first group to walk across the peace bridge. And quite too.

Whatever future this bridge comes to symbolise, they will play a major part in it. It's their city, their say, their future.