On 25 June, at the European House in Skopje, the final conference of the Place to Grow project was held, titled: “Growing Together: Achievements, Experiences, and Future Steps”
This conference marked the culmination of a 30-month process dedicated to creating committed, fair, and safe municipalities for every child. The event brought together children and youth with representatives of their local authorities and institutions from the municipalities of Kisela Voda, Veles, Vinica, Debar, and Gostivar, as well as national and international representatives, for a shared reflection on children’s rights and their active participation in local governance.
The program offered rich content – video testimonials, speeches, presentation of results, demonstration of the digital platform, panel discussions, a children’s exhibition, and numerous opportunities for networking, exchanging experiences, and sharing ideas.
We are especially proud of the children and youth who were not just the audience – they were the voice, heart, and driving force of this event!
Our moderators – Jana Pljokova and Jovana Cimbaljević – as well as the speakers – Kristian Martinov, Matej Ristov, Ana Arsova, and Edina Miftaroska – through their courage, sincerity, and vision, showed us what true child participation means and inspired the entire hall!
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Kristina Vasileska (KMOP Skopje) and Isak Misini (First Children’s Embassy Megjashi), representatives of the partner organizations implementing the project.
The panel discussion was opened by Marcia Palota from the EU Delegation, and contributions were made by Vesna Boševska-Petrushevska (Ombudsman’s Office), Vaska Bojadji (KMOP Skopje), and representatives of the municipalities/local councils:
- Verica Todorovska Daceva, Municipality of Veles
- Vesna Blaževska, Municipality of Kisela Voda
- Aleksandar Jovanov, Municipality of Vinica
- Dževit Miftaroski, Municipality of Debar
They shared the efforts of their municipalities and institutions in promoting and sustaining children’s participation in local decision-making.
Special thanks to all speakers, moderators, participants, and partners who enriched the final conference with their knowledge, experience, and dedication.
A smile is worth a thousand words, and at the conference there were many – sincere, radiant, exchanged among friends, classmates, colleagues, and simply… people sharing the same wish – to create better places where children and youth can grow and thrive!
Thank you for helping us create our “Place to Grow” – a space where both adults and children learn, grow, and work together for a better tomorrow.