CHild-led participAtive emergeNCy rEsponsesS

forthcoming

Rising global tensions and environmental disasters are increasingly endangering vulnerable communities, with children facing higher threats. The CHANCES project aims to respond to the growing vulnerability of children in emergency situations by promoting a shift that transforms children from mere passive victims to active agents in crisis preparedness and response. To address these challenges, the project seeks to incorporate children's rights and perspectives into emergency management systems, combining education and child participation. CHANCES will develop innovative educational materials through co-creation processes with children aged 6-12, using participatory methodologies. These resources, adapted to different crisis contexts (natural disasters, armed conflicts), will be validated in three strategic case studies: the region of Valencia (Spain), affected by floods during the 2024 DANA, Ivano-Frankivsk (Ukraine), marked by war and Malmö (Sweden), with challenges for the integration of refugee population. Key objectives of the project will include: 1) strengthening child resilience through pedagogical tools that combine technical knowledge with emotional support, 2) establishing permanent channels for child participation in emergency planning, and 3) creating a European network for exchanging good practices in risk management education. The project incorporates gender mainstreaming to ensure all children participate on equal terms and that educational materials avoid stereotypes. It will also focus on the needs of children in vulnerable situations (migrants, victims of conflicts, children with disabilities), guaranteeing an inclusive approach.CHANCES commits to transforming civil protection systems from the bottom up, demonstrating that child participation is not only a right but a key factor in building more prepared and resilient communities. Its results will serve as a model for European policies on emergency management, embedding a children's rights approach