Sofia, November 20, 2018
On November 20th, 29 years ago, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was accepted – a fundamental internationally recognized document which helps to create and develop adequate modern policies for improving the children’s well-being. To honour its ratification every year the members of the National Network for Children (NNC) organize public events to support child participation and help for the opinion of the young people to be heard. The name of the event announces it – it’s called Voice It. This year the topic of the event was chosen by the adolescents themselves and it concerns health and sexuality education. Location: the Largo in the heart of Sofia. Here are part of the musts and discussion topics: The need for health and sexuality education to be part of the school curriculum. When and where should the subject be presented, who should present it and not least – Why it is important for young people to have knowledge on all topics related to reproductive health? The topic was chosen by young people from Megaphone that were part of the panel and answered questions in connection with the forum topic, including prevention of trafficking, prevention of internet bullying, youth volunteering.
After the discussion a Bazaar of ideas was held – the young people and participating organizations had the opportunity to exchange contacts share materials and good practices, to ask questions and inform themselves. The organizations presented their materials in different ways – interactive models, videos, informational materials. Representatives of the SCPA and the Ombudsman administration were present who heard opinions and recommendations from the source on children’s right of opinion and how it should be taken into consideration.
BFPA participated in the forum with their informational materials and videos. The interest towards the Bazaar and especially towards the organization’s stand was significant. Special attention attracted BFPA’s latest video – an animated short film about puberty which attracted the interest of the visitors – young people and teachers, as well as the interest of all passing-by. Many of the young people from different organizations participating in the forum gave feedback in the form of a poll about dialogue between family generations and in school, communication within the family and what are the needs of the adolescents which should be met with adequate activities presently and in the future.