The conference aimed to promote an inclusive and supportive environment for children by sharing already existing positive practices for children’s participation in the municipality of Gostivar. The Municipality of Debar as guest municipality, participated with its representatives, which is also involved in the project “Place to grow: Child friendly municipalities”.
The conference was opened with a welcoming speech by the Mayor of Municipality of Gostivar, Arben Taravari and Dragi Zmijanac – President and co-founder of the First Children’s Embassy in the world Megjashi.
Several panellists addressed in the first part of the conference. The mayor of the municipality of Gostivar in his address emphasized the improvement of the conditions of children in kindergartens and schools and gave special emphasis to the diverse oportynities for young people through the three open centres where young people have the opportunity to spend their free time.
The President of the First Children’s Embassy in the World Megjashi, Draghi Zmijanac, spoke about the importance of children’s participation in decision-making processes, about his participation in local decision-making so far and gave ideas on how municipalities can involve children and young people in decision-making. Iskra Katsarska, coordinator of the project, “Place for growth: Child friendly municipalities” presented the goals of the project and gave a deeper insight into already implemented and upcoming activities.
The representative from the non-governmental organization and representative from the ICAN Youth Center, Art Spahiu spoke about the program of the Youth Center and the cooperation with the municipality. He also highlighted the functioning of the ICAN Youth Center, and the participation of young people there.
Azra Nuredini, as a official for youth in the Municipality of Gostivar, spoke about the process of establishing the Local Youth Council, the role of LYC, as well as the activities that are carried out with the youth in the municipality. Dr. Aneta Chiroska, as a medical person, addressed the participants with a special focus on the health and rights of children.
Armira Sharku from the Municipality of Debar – head of the Department of Education, through practical examples presented the activities of the municipality of Debar related to children’s rights and child and youth participation.
Margarita Miloshoska, a representative from a non-governmental organization for the rights of children with special needs, focused on the work and activities they carry out together with the municipality of Gostivar. Valentina Shterjovska, professor and activist, spoke about the importance of the cooperation of the schools with the municipality, especially in terms of protecting children’s rights, healthy environment and peaceful education.
The key session of the conference included topics that are most important among children and youth such as bullying, the rights of children with special needs, solving the problem of stray dogs, as well as the importance of cooperation between the schools and the families.
Youth and children played a leading role in this local conference. Students from schools in the municipality were present, who through a drawing described how they see the future in their city and what they would like to change. They will submit the drawings to the Mayor of Gostivar, giving him the responsibility to make them a priority in the future activities of the municipality.
The constitution of the municipal panel composed of representatives of the local authorities, educational staff and other stakeholders within the municipality was organised after the conference. The panel will be a special body within the municipality, which will provide structured and focused work related to children’s rights and will enable the development of a strategic plan for the municipality of Gostivar with the aim of promoting children’s rights and their inclusion in the local planning.
The event is held on 22 of May at the UUC Youth Center in Gostivar.