Empowering Children

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Empowering Children

Promoting the Role of Children in Community Development

Ravi Jayakaran

Helping Children Serve as Agents of Change

Children’s voices are often overlooked in development efforts, yet their insights are vital for shaping their futures. In Empowering Children, Dr. Ravi Jayakaran presents a practical framework for child participation, drawing from decades of fieldwork. Through real-world case studies, engaging exercises, and step-by-step methods, this book equips leaders to involve children in community development. Discussions on self-esteem, problem analysis, and child protection empower children to recognize their worth and serve as agents of change.

Written for field practitioners, this book offers actionable strategies to engage young people, particularly the marginalized, in meaningful development efforts. From a Christian perspective, it affirms that every child is created in God’s image, with dignity and a role in his mission. Empowering Children helps leaders create environments where children are heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to lasting transformation.

Endorsements

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 FongNational 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 GantaFilmmakerCatalyst, 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, PhDFounder 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, PhDProfessor 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, MSManaging 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 StreitFounder, Kingdom Coalition for Kids (KC4K)