Julka champions children’s rights

When Julka was 10 years old, as part of a SCiA project, she and 20 other children aged 8- 14 from Elbasan, rewrote an influential book. The “CRC for and by Children” book adapted the UN CRC and explained it in a child friendly language. SCiA published it and made it available to children and teachers throughout Albania.

Initially, the reason why Julka and other children got involved was only to finish the rewriting of the “CRC For and By” book. But when they finished it they felt able to build upon their important learning experience and to extend their involvement and contribution towards awareness raising and promotion of child rights at school and at the district level. They also formalised their group in a Youth forum “Voice 16+”.

Now, seven years on, Julka is part of this forum. Supported and trained by SCiA, they tell children about their rights and advocate for positive changes with local authorities, mayors, education directories, court lawyers and other decision-makers.

Julka and other children have developed their knowledge and skills in designing, planning and implementing advocacy projects. They are able to speak up for their rights and are confident of what they want to say.

Julka has written an open letter, published in “Teacher” newspaper appealing to teachers and school directors to be tolerant, to understand children and encourage their participation. This is children’ rights in action: It has not only changed Julka’s life over the last seven years but her message has also reached many thousands of children.