Deadline: 01-Sep-2025
UNICEF has launched a call for expressions of interest for the AVENIR project to enhance the role of Children’s Municipal Councils (CME) as key mechanisms for civic engagement, leadership development, and participation of children in governance in Senegal.
The focus is youth leadership and participation, collectively assessing the achievements, challenges and prospects of the CME mechanism, formulating concrete recommendations for its strengthening and scaling up, reflecting on the modalities of linkage or integration between the CME and national child representation mechanisms to be established, proposing a contribution from children to the finalization process of the Child Code, and organizing World Children’s Day in Dakar with the preparation of a representative participation carrying forward messages that highlight the voices and priorities expressed by the children.
The initiative builds on the strong presence of 77 functional CME across the country, which have provided a platform for children to express their views on local decision-making and community life. However, the CME remain weakly connected to national advocacy mechanisms, highlighting the need for stronger linkages with national institutions such as the Parliament of Children, observatories, and other child rights platforms.
As part of the project, UNICEF seeks to collaborate with an experienced NGO to organize a national workshop in Dakar, bringing together CME representatives from all regions. This three-day event will include structured exchanges among children, discussions with experts and authorities, and interactive activities. The workshop will be preceded by local-level dialogues where children will assess the CME system, propose improvements, and provide feedback on the draft Child Code currently under development.
The initiative will culminate in a high-profile event around November 20, 2025, marking World Children’s Day. The capital will host the 77 child mayors from across Senegal in the presence of national authorities and partners, with extensive media coverage. In addition, a “Children Take Over” initiative will enable a representative delegation of children to engage directly with parliamentarians at the National Assembly on the draft Child Code.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
