| Resident involvement is increasing in community participatory processes in urban planning and design. Children and youth are a key group who should have equal opportunities to be agents of change, yet they are often unacknowledged as contributing members of society. This research advocates opening windows of opportunities that genuinely involve youth in the actual trajectory of change in their communities, and at the same time foster learning and skill development that will allow youth to be more effective in their endeavors towards improving the conditions of their environments.; This practicum utilized a case study strategy (with participant observation, photography and focus group sessions) to evaluate a prototype, namely a Planning and Design Club piloted at Gordon Bell High School in 2002, located in the inner city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The club ran over a four month period, which aimed to introduce youth to the basics of neighbourhood planning and design. The model's main project engaged youth in the delivery of a year-end participatory project that aimed to address a real issue or opportunity in the West Broadway community. Key partnerships were critical in the delivery of the model, namely those between: (1) a post-secondary City Planning or Design Graduate Program, (2) a secondary school, and (3) youth involvement. Research findings revealed positive outcomes, especially the model's success in inspiring, showing and supporting youth in their efforts to change the conditions of real-life situations, while supporting greater learning and skill development. Overall, the Planning and Design Club demonstrated its achievements as an alternative model of teaching through the utilization of community engagement methods and techniques, and more importantly, brought greater meaning to youth voice and empowerment. |
