The Autumn School for Children’s Rights, part of the Megaphone program, was held by the National Network for children for the seventh consecutive year from 8 to 13 September in the village of Gergini near Gabrovo.
This is the first activity for the “Megaphone” Youth Network’s new entrants. Its purpose is the young people to become acquainted with the rights of people, and with the rights of children in particular, as well as with the relevant documents as the UN Convention on the rights of the child.
The main focus of work was the right of expressing an opinion and the right of participation of all young people. Various activities encouraged the children to form and defend positions on socially relevant topics.
Young participants and adults which took part in the event was from seven organizations: Julev’s Home Foundation, Lesichovo, Crime Prevention Fund – IGA, Pazardzhik, Cedar Foundation, Kazanlak, SOS Children’s Villages Association Bulgaria, Future for Children Association, Kazanlak, Znanie Association, Lovech, Health and Social Development Foundation, Kyustendil.
Autumn School topics were: Human Rights; Declaration of Human Rights; Children’s Rights and why there is a separate document on this; the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the four Principles of the Convention; the role of adults in child and youth participation; the right to opinion; understanding the role and structure of the National Network for Children and Megaphone Youth Network; forming working groups on a three forthcoming activities: youth forum “Voice it”, annual awards for child well-being “Golden Apple” and children led activity “Traffic Light!”.
In the adult’s sessions was launched a new project to develop a methodology for Child and Youth Participation.
At the end of the School, young participants said they have learned their rights, have found new friends, have had the opportunity to express themselves, which made them more confident. The adults added that they have received practical guidance on child participation and children’s rights.
