Children represent the future of urban development. Shangcheng District is dedicated to the concept of “Child-Friendly Initiatives for a Better Hangzhou,” integrating these principles into urban planning and introducing a “One-Meter Perspective” in community governance. This initiative seeks to establish a three-member model for child-friendly observation groups, fostering reciprocal growth between children’s development and community progress. Currently, the district hosts 20 children’s observation groups, with seven recognized as part of the inaugural Hangzhou Children’s Observation Group Organization Alliance, leading the city in quantity.

Acting as “Young Observers,” Empowering Children to Take Leadership in Community Governance

In collaboration with Yangliu Jun Community of Pengbu Street, Hangzhou Pengzhi Primary School has established Zhejiang Province’s first interactive “Children’s Observation Group,” integrating home, school, government, and community efforts. This initiative has implemented a closed-loop mechanism of “Child Initiation—School Collection—Community Undertaking—Department Implementation” to facilitate the execution of child-friendly livelihood projects. To date, the group has addressed 33 topics and resolved 12 issues, successfully implementing initiatives such as youth centers, children’s parking facilities, and fitness stations—accessible projects located within close proximity to the community.

In the neighborhood lounge of Yangliu Jun Community, local authorities, alongside universities and businesses, actively convene regular “Children Young Hand-in-Hand” community development discussions. Members of the children’s observation group, identified as “young masters of the community,” are assigned to specific teams focusing on low carbon initiatives, community arts, commerce, and sports. They collaborate with social workers and community youth leaders to deliberate on community matters, offering improvement suggestions based on their observations and experiences. Reports indicate that, inspired by the children’s proposals, various tangible child-friendly services, such as community concerts and neighborhood life festivals, have been successfully implemented in the future community of Yangliu Jun, receiving enthusiastic responses from local children.

Acting as “Young Supervisors,” Children’s Voices Directly Influence Community Governance

In recent years, Shangcheng District has actively showcased a community governance model based on “co-construction, co-governance, and sharing,” emphasizing the importance of children’s social participation. Local authorities routinely engage with communities to gather children’s perspectives. Through a series of interactive activities organized by children’s observation groups, these young supervisors cultivate a sense of community pride, enhancing their practical abilities and social responsibility. Prominent children’s observation groups have emerged, such as the Red Scarf Corridor Leaders of Pujia Community, the Chao Children Observation Group of Haichao Community, and the Four Seasons Little Children.

Zhanlongkou Street has initiated “Concentric Circle Round Table Meetings,” inviting Red Scarf Corridor Leaders, representatives, and social organizations to discuss the community’s future development. Bai Juwan, a student from Pujia Primary School, articulated her vision regarding the involvement of Red Scarf Corridor Leaders in community governance, suggesting enhancements in neighborhood communication and the establishment of a mutual assistance mechanism. She also proposed organizing a safety guardian team, empowering youth to act as “eyes” for identifying safety hazards, thus contributing to community safety.

Prior to initiating micro-renovations in older neighborhoods, Nanjing Street organized multiple “My Ideal Community” activities involving children’s observation groups. The Haiyue Little Children Observation Group, led by the Women’s Federation of Haiyueqiao Community, engaged in spirited discussions and creative designs regarding the façade renovation of the Shimumu Tian Community. The young members employed their vivid imaginations to suggest adding children’s bike parking and playground facilities, with their proposals for activity spaces being incorporated into the enhancement plan. Thanks to the contributions of these young supervisors, the children’s areas and central garden in Shimumu Tian Community have incorporated elements designed by children, creating a dedicated space for them that features both beloved playground facilities and educational landscape designs, becoming a notable highlight within the community.

Acting as “Young Promoters,” Actively Establishing a Platform for Children to Showcase Their Talents

The West Lake Little Reporters Team from Hangzhou Yinmajing Alley Primary School has participated in various community service activities, such as the 47th Volunteer Service Event for the Most Beautiful Herbal Tea Stall. Engaging with volunteers and local leaders, they share their insights and experiences, positioning themselves as advocates for community service. Through their efforts, the team has served over 4,000 cups of herbal tea and garnered over 300 promises from children regarding community engagement. Wangjiang Street has successfully implemented the Red Scarf Observation Group project, drawing participation from multiple schools and generating over 100 suggestions to enhance community life. Through targeted discussions, children identify critical local issues, such as telecom fraud, expressing a commitment to educate their families, thus fostering a proactive approach to community awareness and safety.

Wangjiang Street has effectively brought together outstanding women’s social organizations, community members, schools, and families to collaboratively implement the Red Scarf Observation Group project. This initiative has engaged over 200 students from four local primary schools, leading to the compilation and submission of more than 100 suggestions. The Women’s Federation has conducted several discussion meetings in communities such as Qingtai Gate, Yaohua, and Xujia Village under the theme “Friendly Community: Let’s Discuss the World from a One-Meter Perspective.” The children, utilizing their keen observational skills, identified pressing local issues, notably emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced awareness of telecom fraud. They expressed a desire to take on the role of young anti-fraud promoters, sharing vital information with their families. The street and community have actively considered these recommendations, planning to integrate them into future initiatives.