Representatives from Child Friendly Cardiff recently attended the launch of 21st Century Lads, a powerful new book by Dr Richard Gator that explores the lives of teenage boys growing up in South Wales.
Drawing on masculinity theory and gender studies, the book follows a cohort of young men as they navigate education, relationships, and identity in the 21st century. Its insights shed light on how society can better support boys and young men to make positive choices, reduce violence, and thrive in life.
This work has vital implications for promoting gender equality and well-being — key priorities for a Child Friendly Cardiff. The team will now consider the findings from Dr Gator’s research to inform future programmes and policies aimed at creating a city where all children and young people can flourish.
Each week, teachers take part in interactive training sessions exploring the key ideas behind democracy, from local decision-making to the role of elected representatives. They then bring this learning back to their schools through a creative cascade process, sharing knowledge and activities with pupils in ways that inspire curiosity, confidence and real-world understanding.
This first phase focuses on helping pupils grasp how democracy connects to their everyday lives. The next stage of the programme will take learning even further – giving young people the chance to explore how the council works, and to take part in a priority-setting exercise that will help decision-makers understand what matters most to them.