Wstecz Bunya - a land of opportunities

The innovation addresses the problem of the inadequacy of public space to meet the needs of children and young people, who are not involved in city-making activities and have no influence on the space around them. Negative consequences of the lack of children's participation include a lowered sense of agency, a low emotional connection with the surrounding environment or the failure to develop civic attitudes, manifested , for example, in caring for public space. The lack of children's voice in the discussion and planning of the functioning of the city is also reflected in the low level of safety for young people, as well as the lack of legibility of urban space and its overcrowding. The game responds to the need to strengthen the self-determination of the youngest city dwellers, fostering their responsibility, agency and sense of belonging.

As part of the innovation, the children have been divided into several tribes, each responsible for managing the space in a specific aspect: the green whale tribe - to improve the green infrastructure, the swish eye tribe - to try to ensure cleanliness and order, the fire boomerang tribe - to organise an event to integrate the group. They have three meetings to think of, develop and implement the idea. In order to carry out the game, it is necessary to get permission from the owner of the place (e.g. the school principal or the town hall) to make changes to the space. It is also good practice to inform the children's parents about what the activity is about.

Children and adolescents aged 10-15, pupils in primary school grades 4-8. It is important that the participants of the game have developed reading, analytical and abstract thinking skills. A group playing the game can be formed in any place where children spend time, e.g. school, community centre, youth club.

• Local government units active in the field of participation and inclusion of inhabitants in the processes of space shaping;

• NGOs;

• Social leaders and activists involved in activities for public space, support of children and families, participation;

• schools, libraries, community centres - places where young people spend their time;

• architects, urban planners - who have a direct impact on the change of public space.

• The owner of the place where the changes are carried out;

• game master;

• The adult who will support the children in completing the tasks;

• Children from the target group.

• Consent of the owner of the space to make changes to it;

• instructions;

• Funds and materials necessary to carry out the changes.

E-mail::theplacemaker.pl@gmail.com.