Making the Invisible Visible: Using Participatory Action Research as a Means to Uncover Hidden Barriers in Children and Young People’s Participation

Abstract

This chapter explores challenges when facilitating participatory processes drawing on a Participatory Action Research project with community development practitioners in Säo Paulo, Brazil. Usingparticipatory methods, the workshops facilitated a participatory evaluation and team planning exercise for strengthening children and young people’s participation as well as exploring institutional challenges. This chapter discusses the unexpected outcomes of this process, including understandings of participation and its personal nature and how these work to allow hidden issues of power and emotions to become more visible.