Twelve students became children councilors in Luohu District last week. They will help get children’s voices heard as part of a joint effort to build children-friendly communities. Starting this May, the Luohu District Women’s Federation started recruiting children councilors from 33 primary and middle schools throughout the district. Seven primary school students and five from junior high schools were shortlisted to become members of the council. “Children are the future of their families, our communities and our society,” said Huang Yuqiong, chair of the district women’s federation, at the launching ceremony of the council. “Hopefully, the children councilors will participate in governance of the city, have their voices heard, and take due responsibility in improving the moral standards of minors.” After receiving their letters of appointment, the 12 children gave speeches on what they expect to achieve and how they would serve as a bridge between minors and grown-ups in communication and an outlet for expressing their own opinions. Ballots were then cast to vote for a chair and vice chair of the children’s council. (Li Dan) | 