Participation
Refers to a person’s involvement in and influence of processes, decisions, and activities. It is a right extended to all, and is the basis for working with communities and developing education programs. No group of people should be denied the opportunity to participate because they are hard to reach or difficult to work with. Participation is voluntary. People are invited and encouraged to participate, not coerced or manipulated.
Participation in education may include a range of activities and approaches, starting with the removal of barriers to create a safe and inclusive environment for all learners so that their needs are met and that no child is left behind. It also means ensuring that all learners have the resources and support they need to actively engage with, analyze, or represent learning content, and to express themselves in an education setting. Active and meaningful participation in education also presumes that all learners’ voices are heard and considered.