Empowering Children

• Although I have never met Dr. Ravi Jayakaran in person, I consider him one of my most influential teachers. His book laid the foundation for my twenty-two-year journey in child participation and development in China.Empowering Children is a profound and practical guide that redefines how we view children in the development process—not as passive recipients, but as active agents of change. Drawing from his extensive global experience, including impactful work in China, Dr. Jayakaran presents a compelling case for child empowerment and meaningful participation.What makes this book exceptional is its blend of deep insight and hands-on tools. Through real-life examples and participatory methods like Holistic Worldview Analysis, Dr. Jayakaran shows how to truly listen to children and integrate their perspectives into community development. His holistic approach—addressing emotional, physical, and societal dimensions—makes this book essential reading for anyone working with or for children. It is both a practical resource and a powerful call to action.Dr. Jayakaran’s work continues to inspire me. It challenges us all to rethink our roles, embrace children’s voices, and build a future where every child is seen, heard, and empowered.

  — Jacky Fong, National Director, World Vision China

• Empowering Children is an informative book for anyone passionate about helping kids grow in their faith and build up their peers and communities. Dr. Ravi Jayakaran’s practical tools and heartfelt insights show how to amplify children’s voices, nurture their creativity, and help them live out their God-given potential. As someone committed to empowering under-18s to use their unique skills and local context to share the gospel and disciple others, I found this book both inspiring and incredibly practical. It is a must-read book for those interested in empowering children to be active participants in fulfilling the Great Commission and, more importantly, in developing an active relationship with God.

  — Pearl Ganta, FilmmakerCatalyst, Lausanne Children and Family Network

• If we exclude children, we all lose. Jesus’s disciples discovered this when they prevented children coming to him, and they were rebuked for their actions. Jesus’s words are unambiguous: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” The work that many churches and Christian NGOs do for millions of children around the world is amazing and life-changing. However, when it comes to inviting children into deeper participation, truly listening to their voices, inviting them to shape programs, and involving them in decision-making, there are far too few examples of good practice. Most of us have a lot to learn to do better at working with children.Ravi Jayakaran’s book is therefore an important one, and it stands out as a highly practical toolkit. I encourage all who want to work with children to read it and put it into practice. Genuine, safe, and meaningful child participation is vitally important and will result in a more effective church, deeper transformation in the lives of individual children, and greater impact in communities.

  — Phil Green , Chief Executive, Viva

• Dr. Jayakaran’s passion for the principles of child participation is deeply rooted in a biblical view of children. This view allows him to celebrate and affirm the worth and respect for every child’s voice—from the most educated to the most marginalized and exploited. This is a must-read for anyone desiring a strong link to the children with whom they minister.

  — Phyllis Kilbourn, PhD, Founder and International Director, Crisis Care Training International

• If you or your organization works with children, you need to have this bookand make its contents your own. This book helps us take the voice and dreams of children seriously as key contributions to the transformational development process. This book is practical and useful, full of simpleexercises that can be used to empower children and allow their voices to be heard and understood. This book is written for practitioners, people living on the front lines of ministry, who need simple tools and the instructions to begin using them the next day. Agencies concerned for child-focused transformational development and children at risk owe Ravi Jayakaran a vote of thanks.

  — Bryant L. Myers, PhD, Professor of Transformational Development, School of Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary

• Empowering Children is the culmination of more than two decades of fieldbased learning. Dr. Jayakaran combines accounts of personal experiences in the field, listening and learning with children and their families, with practical guidance and tools for the aspiring child participation practitioner. This book will be an invaluable tool for all those committed to involving children meaningfully in the development process.

  — Paul Stephenson, MS, Managing Director, Paul Stephenson Consulting Former Director, Child Development and Rights, World Vision International

• In reading to this amazing, must-read book, I was not only inspired but also encouraged and motivated to do more for God’s kids. How can God use me and my networks? This is such an impactful tool for growing your Kingdom influence by pouring the love of Jesus into at-risk children and their families around the globe. Dr. Jayakaran also serves as one of our advisors with Kingdom Coalition for Kids (www.kc4k.org).

  — Dan Streit, Founder, Kingdom Coalition for Kids (KC4K)

Author

• Ravi Jayakaran
  Ravi Jayakaran

  Dr. Ravi Jayakaran has extensive leadership experience in international poverty reduction and strategic programming. He is the president of a global NGO that impacts a population of over 3.4 million people around the world. Ravi has held senior management positions in the corporate sector and international NGOs, including World Vision, ADB, and UNDP. He has also consulted on a variety of issues in many countries, including child-focused development. Ravi and his wife, Vimla, have two sons and six grandchildren.

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