Postcard #3 April 28, 2006
Postcard #3: April 28, 2006 Dear Friends of Kosovo Children and Youth, The youth, Kosovo Albanian, Serbs and Romas met in a café outside of Lipjan/Lypjan . The event was translated into three languages as most of the youth could not speak the other’s language. This lack of knowledge of the others’ language is an unfortunate aspect of the current education system and years of ethnic isolation and will certainly be a challenge for the future, as well as a key to developing a truly multi-ethnic society . Nevertheless, the young people expressed their views through translation and all three groups found that young people, regardless of ethnicity, had many similar aspirations and hopes for the future. All youth that spoke expressed their desire for peace and to live in an inter-ethnic society. When asked by the facilitators why they participated in this gathering, one young Kosovo Serb woman said “ I believe that there can be a better tomorrow” Kosovo Serb youth particularly expressed their need for more freedom of movement. An Albanian young man was quite specific when he suggested that all groups in Kosovo need to engage in more inter-ethnic dialogue and rise above the fear that has emerged over the last 7 years due to ethnic intolerance. A young Roma mentioned that the plight of the Roma population is particularly difficult being pressured not only from some Albanian groups but also from some Serbs. “We are sandwiched between two sides”. When asked what is the major problem of the Roma population, he quickly identified lack of education within the Roma community where many Romas drop out at grade 4 of primary school and this is particular common amongst girls. What struck me the most about this discussion was the willingness of these young people to talk to each other and express their views openly. They all seemed to be somewhat cynical of politicians and big organizations and many repeatedly stated that their thoughts and opinions were not being heard. When asked what their message would be to the government and the UN, they were quite specific: “Pay more attention to youth and listen to our thoughts. Take us seriously in future discussions” The voices and opinions of these youth will be broadcast on 45 radio stations throughout Kosovo broadcasting in Albanian, Serbian and Roma. As we head toward final resolution of the complicated status issue, it will be increasingly more important to listen to the message of young people; not only those in urban centers and affiliated to a particular political party, but all young people. Young people are only the future, as is often said here in Kosovo but are also the present and those of us who are involved in policy, politics and development programmes should take their thoughts and opinions more seriously and empower them to be more involved in the reconciliation process. As you will notice on the website, UNICEF will be involved in outreach materials for Sesame Street Season II broadcast. We would like to thank Sesame Street for their funding, facilitated by the US Fund for UNICEF, and their trust in our ability to implement this component of the Sesame Street project as well as our partners in the local production here in Kosovo, US AID, SIDA, OSCE and RTK, the public broadcast system. This second season will no doubt be better and even more effective and it’s through this united effort that quality TV production will continue for all young children. I would like to conclude with thoughts from the Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 12: Thanks for your interest. Talk to you in a few weeks. rob
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