Peer-reviewed article

Beyond Recipients: A Framework for Meaningful Child Beneficiary Participation in Non-government Organizations

Maria Adiel H. Aguiling · 25 Mar 2026

Abstract

As the Sustainable Development Goals approach their final years, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities is paramount for inclusive development. This qualitative, multiple-case study sought to understand how child beneficiaries contribute to project management and what factors influence NGOs to engage in participation. A total of 52 respondents participated in the study, including six board trustees, eight managers, and 38 beneficiaries. The research on three NGOs identified four key antecedents of child beneficiary participation: 1) management’s stakeholder perception of beneficiaries; 2) beneficiaries’ self-perception as stakeholders; 3) the mutual trust between leaders and beneficiaries; and 4) a shared desire for beneficiary self-reliance.This study contributes to theory by providing a framework of meaningful participation of child beneficiaries in NGOs. While the findings do not allow for statistical generalization, they offer insights into participatory practices that may be relevant to other NGOs, particularly those operating in high-power distance cultures. It underscores the need for NGO leaders to critically examine their beliefs, values and perspectives, ultimately reinforcing that child beneficiaries are not merely recipients but active agents capable of shaping organizational outcomes.