Montenegrin High School Students Speak Out on European Integration
"We want Montenegro to become an EU memeber because this will foster its development." PODGORICA, October 15, 2008 - “We want: to have equal rights and opportunities as our peers in EU; open boundaries to be free to travel and feel free in EU countries; our school certificates to be recognized in all European countries; youth clubs, commissions and other activities, as well as our voice to be really heard; Montenegro to become an EU memeber because this will foster its development." - these are some of the messages that four Montenegrin high-school students Marija Šćepanović, Ana Đuričić, Stefan Jelić and Jovana Lutovac stated at the press conference in Podgorica on October 15, 2008. They presented conclusions from the conference for 28 children from Andrijevica, Bar, Berane, Cetinje, Kotor, Nikšić, Podgorica and Tivat entitled “European Integration - What It Means for Me” and held in Tivat on October 2-3, 2008. One of the most important provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) is that children have the right to express their opinions on matters which affect their lives. The involvement of children and young people is only likely to be meaningful to them if they can see that their views have been taken into account and have made a difference. "Participation of yong people in Montenegro is sporadic and this press conference is primarily targeted at young people accross Montenegro to invite them to participate more actively in the lives of their local communities" said one of the high school students. "Children and adults with disabilities like me should have access to all institutions through the removal of architectural barriers" added a high school student with disabilities while talking about the importance of creating necessary conditions for all young people to be able to participate fully in the Montenegrin society. "You are the children of Montenegro today, but you will be European citizens tomorrow." "I hope that today’s press conference will not only increase the public’s awareness of the children’s needs and wishes, but also motivate young people to find original, positive and effective ways to express their concerns, opinions and hopes." said Noala Skinner, UNICEF Montenegro Representative at the press conference. "My message to Montenegro’s children and young people is -Your participation is good for you and it is good for others. Other people — children and adults — may not see what you see, or understand things the way you do. Your insights and priorities can make a big difference to what happens in your community. But your ideas may also not be automatically endorsed or agreed with either. That’s OK too. Because you are getting involved in a process of dialogue and of change that is preparing you to assume increasing responsibilities and to become active, tolerant and democratic citizens." she added. Deputy of the Secretariat for European Integrations Vanja Grgurović underlined the importance of participation of children and young people in the process of european integration. "This is process is for you and about you", she said to the students. "Participation gives you a stake in the future. It's your future! Because you are the children of Montenegro today, but you will be European citizens tomorrow." concluded UNICEF Montenegro Representative Noala Skinner.
|
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=link}