Living on a Rural Island

Children Identify Assets, Problems, and Solutions for Health and Well-Being

Abstract

This paper describes the methods and results of a child and youth evaluation of their semi-isolated rural island community. Map drawings, interviews, community asset mapping, and focus groups were used to identify assets, problems, and solutions in the community. A broad representation of the island’s children and youth, ranging from 5 to 14 years old provided information on the impact of the physical environment, community services and resources, social capital and community cohesion, and favorite places and activities. Four broad categories emerged as important for children and youth regardless of age: a sense of safety, the positive influence of the natural environment, a close-knit community and available resources, programs and services. The results of this place-based evaluation are compared to the literature on person-environment congruence and child-friendly communities.