How are prefects chosen? How are other positions of leadership filled? Example: school captain, sports captain, house captains, etc. How do school boards function? Do you think they function in name only? Or do you have a real say in things? Who else is on the school board? Do you have a say in school policies, codes of conduct, and school rules? Were you, or any other student you know, involved in discussion about the new national curriculum? Do you feel that you have a say in decisions taken by the school? Do you feel teachers involve you in planning their lessons and activities? Do your lessons include human rights and children’s rights? What do you know about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child? Does your school teach you about democracy and active citizenship at school? Is there an independent student organisation or union in the Maldives? When you changed from primary school to secondary school, did you have a say in what school you went to? Do you know if you can participate in out-of-school education and other activities if you have to leave school early? Public life and civil society Do you know if there are any organisations run by young people for young people? Have you ever been consulted by the local councils about youth activities in your area? Are there any youth activities in your area that you can get involved in? Do you know if there are any youth forums that you can participate in? General information Do you feel that your views are listened to and taken seriously when decisions are made in the Maldives that affect your life? Can you provide an example of a decision in which you were involved—in school or at home—that affected your life? Did you feel that they took you seriously in making the decision? Do you feel that your views are represented in the media—on television, radio, newspapers, or the Internet? Have you noticed whether or not children are included in the media on issues that concern you? Can you provide examples? Closing questions Do you think it is important that your views are listened to in these situations? Why? 76