On October 22, consultations with children and a meeting of the municipal panel were held in Gostivar, both events aimed at creating a strategic and action plan. These consultations are part of the initiative “Place to Grow: Child-Friendly Municipalities”.
One of the goals is for the members of the municipal panels to hear the needs and opinions of children about what kind of municipality they want, while also involving children in decision-making processes. With this approach, we aim to ensure the active participation of children in the creation of policies and programs that are in their interest, placing them at the centre of public policies in the municipality.
Children’s participation is crucial in the processes of creating and building communities that are safe, inclusive, and dedicated to children’s rights.
During the consultations, the children discussed important topics such as: discrimination, their participation in local communities, access to health and educational services, creating a safe and clean environment… The importance of ensuring green play areas, a clean and safe environment, free from discrimination, the need for educational camps, protection from violence, protection from stray dogs, and a swimming pool was especially highlighted.
These requests will be part of the commitments of the Municipality of Gostivar to become a municipality that upholds children’s rights in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The process continues in the coming months to create a comprehensive strategic and action plan tailored to children.
We would also like to thank the Youth and Community Centre – Gostivar for their cooperation.