Read here three inspiring initiatives from Latin America that transform public spaces into inclusive, participatory environments where children can read, play, express themselves, and help shape their communities.
Over the past two and a half years, we have conducted extensive research on the design and use of public spaces, engaging with a broad spectrum of professionals from urban architects to policymakers and legislative advisors to gather experiences and insights. Public goods, especially public spaces, are fundamental to collective well-being, and their importance is even greater when it comes to children. For children, these are not just recreational areas they are vital environments where they develop social skills, explore creativity, exercise their right to play, and participate in community life. Urban planning that is responsive to children is key to building more inclusive, safe, and equitable cities where young people are not treated as passive users but as active citizens with voice and agency.
On March 27, 2025, Equity for Children and Fundación Arcor hosted a powerful webinar that spotlighted how everyday public spaces are being reimagined through children’s eyes. These are not just public goods, they are spaces of trust, creativity, and community, each shaped by local efforts that invite us to think differently about childhood and the public realm. The event, led by our Program Director Leandra Bonofiglio, brought together inspiring speakers from Argentina and Bolivia who are working to make public spaces truly inclusive for children.
Equity for Children is deeply committed to this line of work because we believe that how public spaces are designed and managed has a direct impact on equity and children’s overall development. That is why our work focuses on identifying, strengthening, and scaling successful experiences that transform public spaces into safe, accessible, and meaningful environments for children.
From a Tiny Library to a Movement
Norma Patricia Torres shared her remarkable grassroots initiative Liberalibro, a tiny book house placed on a street corner during the pandemic, built on trust and hospitality. What started as one small wooden bookshelf is now a network of 12 self-managed libraries in San Justo, Argentina. There are no rules, no check-outs, no locks, just books and a bench. And yet, there’s been no vandalism, only growth. It’s a living example of how hospitality and community trust can turn a sidewalk into a space of reading, conversation, and belonging.
Children’s Voices Shaping Schools
Next, we heard from Mariano Campilla and Marisa Vargas about Infant Parliaments in Córdoba, Argentina. In 2024, 30 schools engaged children in shaping the “School We Want,” focusing especially on schoolyards as spaces for play, inclusion, and interaction. The children’s proposals thoughtful and bold, made their way to the provincial legislature. Now, in 2025, the project is expanding to 60 schools. This isn’t just participation; it’s co-creation, and a powerful reminder that children’s perspectives are not only valid, they’re essential.
Friendship, Justice, and Collective Action
Finally, Emma Poma and Martha Calizaya Mamani introduced us to Tapoori, a project of ATD Fourth World in La Paz, Bolivia. “Tapoori” means “friend” in Hindi, and that’s exactly what these weekly circles offer: a space for connection, dialogue, and shared learning among children from vulnerable communities. Through stories, art, letters, and literacy, Tapoori nurtures leadership, dignity, and a belief in justice today, not just someday. It’s a space where children are not seen as future citizens but as agents of change now.
These stories inspire and challenge us to reimagine how public spaces serve children not just as playgrounds, but as platforms for voice, agency, and care.
