As part of the project “ Connecting the Dots 2.0 – Advancing Child Participation in Decision Making for Enhanced Child Rights and Democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” funded by the European Union and implemented by World Vision BH Foundation in partnership with the association “Naša djeca” Sarajevo and the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, the first online meeting brought together 20 representatives of associations and informal youth groups from Kalesija, Zenica, Lukavac, Prnjavor, Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Banovići, Petrovo, Brčko, Tuzla, Goražde, Trebinje, Mostar, Breza, Istočna Ilidža, Žepče, Zavidovići, Ilijaš, and Istočno Novo Sarajevo. The topic of the gathering was children’s participation in the decision-making process.
It has been recognized that children’s participation in decision-making is a weak link in our society, and there is a clear need for joint efforts to strengthen their role. By informing about legal regulations and advocating for their implementation, we will contribute to strengthening key life skills of children and youth such as problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Why is this important? These skills are crucial for children and youth because they guide them towards sustainable and lifelong behavioral changes. They are future active citizens and potential decision-makers. By strengthening the system of meaningful participation of children and youth in decisions that affect them, we will build a strong foundation for a prosperous Bosnian-Herzegovinian society.
Message from the participants: Don’t do anything without those it concerns! Only from us can you hear about the problems we face.
