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Young people identify their needs through learning their rights

11 Jan 2007 12:13:45 GMT
Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO)

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Two 8th grade students from Gjergjan village in Elbasan ADP II, working on analysis report on the progress of their Student Government
World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org

Some 40 school age youth in Albania have identified the need for a school library and a more physically secure environment for their school territories as part of a six month long project called Kids in Decision Making.

The young people from two of World Vision's Area Development Programs (ADPs), trained in the practical implementation of children's rights as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child. They reported their final findings to local authorities and school officials.

said Armand Shima an 8th grade student from Shirgjan village in Elbasan.

'Most adults in our community think that our opinions as kids are not worthy,' said Armand Shima.

'Albanian society is still very patriarchal when it comes to the structure of the family. The father is authoritative and the decision maker. A child's opinion is disregarded, even on issues affecting them,' said Blerta Petrela Child Protection Manager at World Vision Albania.

The young participants designed a questionnaire to identify the main issues in their respective schools.

'The survey showed us that many students were affected by the absence of a surrounding wall in the school territories. Strangers come in, harass the girls, sell cigarettes, and interrupt classes,' said Erjola from Shirgjan in Elbasan II ADP.

'The data gathered from the survey in our school revealed that the majority of the student body considers a school library a necessity. The library will enhance the learning and will help lessen the corruption level in school,' said Diamela Hysa, an 8th grade student from Novosela commune in Vlora ADP.

The students in both communes successfully presented their findings to the local authorities, community members, and school boards. The local communes committed to invest US$11000 and US$7000 toward the proposed projects in Shirgjan, Elbasan II ADP, and Novosela, Vlora ADP, respectively.

World Vision Albania's innovative project, 'Kids in Decision Making,' aims to empower and train kids in exercising their rights. It enables them to be agents of change and active members of their communities. The project started on July 2006 and ended in December 2006.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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Last updated:Thu Jan 11 13:09:48 2007