Second children meeting, within the project „Voice of children“

As it was planned by the project’s „Voice of children“  plan and program, second children meeting was held in Sarajevo from 28th to 31st of October.

Meeting started with presentation of participants and short game within which children on painted tree hanged stickers with their expectations written on it. Mostly those were desires for acquire new knowledge, good friendship, meeting with peers and productive work.

After each children group has presented themselves with their presentations, presentation of the summarized children’s research results followed. Research was done in 10 local communities in the form of focus groups and questionnaire, and the themes were: Child rights awareness, Right for quality education, Violence against children and Right for the respect of the opinion. 904 questionnaires were carried out with the participation of 425 boys and 479 girls.

First evening of socializing mini tombola with symbolic prices was organized, on which all of participants had a truly good time.

Second day of the meeting we were working on a little bit more serious themes like Children report, it’s significance, structure, information about development of the report and presentation of the report to the public which will be held in December this year, and Optional protocol on communications procedures with Convention on the Rights of the Child and it’s significance. Participants were divided in four groups and each group worked on different themes within preparations for presentation of information on development of first Children report.

Group 1. worked on presenting the network Stronger voice for children“ and children’s groups.

Second group worked on information about first Children report and information about the research, or how did they felt during the research, whether they are satisfied with the conduct of the research, are they satisfied with the results etc. Group highlighted that the research was very demanding, but that they have, through it, acquired new experiences, widen their knowledge and had a good fun.

Group 3. processed the theme of violence against children and children participation, within which they have, besides the selection of the most significant results of research, written recommendations for children and for adults. As main reasons of violence children adduced upbringing, school grades, games, media, desire for popularity, abuse in an early childhood and domestic violence.

As a matter of concern they highlighted that most of bystanders finds violence interesting, that they laugh and reject to react, sometimes from the fear and sometimes for fun.

Recommendations respecting the right of the opinion are that children need to be more informed on child rights, that children need to be listened and understand more seriously, and that the government needs to fulfill their promises and include children in the decisions that affect them.

Fourth group worked on the theme of quality and inclusive education and information on CRC. Within their work they have written recommendations for children and adults.

Research on theme of information on child rights showed that children do not know enough about their rights, and 17% of respondents don’t know to whom they would address in case of violation of their rights.

The fact that 75% of respondents wants to know more on their rights is encouraging.

When it comes to education, main recommendations are that it is necessary to provide conditions for basic hygiene in school, provide adequate approach to the school for children with difficulties in movements, video surveillance, better technical equipment, stricter punishments for children that are destroying school property, providing boxes for anonymous reports in school that will be read and that will be treated adequately, end to strengthen the role of Student’s council in school.

After a long working day children relaxed on joint socializing with music and with our guest from Center for culture, Mr. Senad Bostandžić accompanying writer Mirsad Bećirbašić who have contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere.

Third day was marked by appearance of children on local TV station TVSA and BH radio 1, suggestions about marking 20th of November, and reception in City hall by Mr. Ranko Čović, mayor’s assistant who warmly welcomed us all, and wished to all of the children great success it they further work, and children gave to Mr. Čović, as a gift, child friendly Convention of the right of the child, and he promised that he will give his best to find an adequate place in City hall where the Convention will be exposed.

All participants enjoyed in this event after which followed spare time in the city.

Within joint socializing, that evening, we organized cinema screening of a movie selected by voting, in which both children and adults enjoyed.

Fourth day of the meeting we were working on evaluation and summarizing of work within which children have, on new tree, posted stickers with their impressions.

Conclusion is that these four days, although full of obligations and activities, passed too soon and returning home was a sad moment, for all the children.