Intergenerational exchange and geographical expansion of children’s participation in community development

A case of Fund for Children in Kochi

Abstract

The article examines the influence of the Children’s community Development Fund of Kochi city on the children’s interaction with people and the expansion of their areas of activity through their participation in community development. The study demonstrates that children’s participation in community development is linked to them associating positive meanings with geographical places in which they experience inter-generational interactions triggered by their activity. Since for children, community development implies interaction with people, they actively visit various places including communities familiar to them. Connecting with people and places that they have never visited before expands the places that they can be actively aware of. Meanwhile, adults who assist them with their activities value children’s desire and potentialities to improve their community life, and this is precisely why productive relationships that go beyond their social status and generation can be nurtured. In addition, community development by children encourages interaction among the many people involved in the activity.