Listen and Learn: Participatory Assessment with Children and Adolescents

A Tool for Participatory Assessment in Operations was developed in 2006, which provides guiding principles and practical steps for conducting meaningful participatory assessment. However, its methodology is based on discussion and structured dialogue, which is not necessarily the most suitable way to engage with children and adolescents. A range of alternative methods are needed which specifically target girls and boys, to address the power differential between them and adults and to build trust and relationships between them. These methods need to use all the ‘languages’ of children (not just formal dialogue or discussion), to enable them to participate fully and meaningfully. This new Tool addresses the existing gap by providing a practical, specific ‘how-to’ guide on the participatory assessment process with adolescents and children. It should, however, be read in conjunction with the 2006 Tool.