UNICEF Greece Country Office together
with the Network for Children's Rights (NCR) and in collaboration with the Municipalities of Pylaia-Chortiati and Larissa
welcomed the U-Report with two events in Thessaloniki and Larissa, thus continuing
the platform's journey throughout Greece.
More than 270 children from Junior and
Senior High Schools attended the events on 14/4 in the Municipality of
Pylaia-Chortiati and on 15/4 in the Municipality of Larissa, where
presentations of U-Report took place, giving participants further information
on how to register on the platform and informed them about decision-making
processes and ways of participation in public matters, as well as their right
to free expression, as enshrined in the International Convention on the Rights
of the Child.
Ignatios Kaitezidis, Mayor of the
Municipality of Pylaia-Chortiati, who attended the event held at the
amphitheater "Stavros Kougioumtzis", in Panorama Thessalonikis on
14/4, noted that "… your voice is reflected on this electronic platform,
because your voice and your opinion
count! We want to hear your thoughts about our city, your reservations,
problems, but also your expectations. We believe in this experiential
relationship that can become an instrument of creating a society that respects
its citizens, respects its children and young people. We will listen to you and
actively support you to become better, our children who are our hopes and our
future. "
The event was also attended by the Deputy
Mayor of Employment, Social Protection, Health and Education Eleni Giannoudi,
the Deputy Mayor of Culture and Tourism Sofoklis Kaltsios, the President of
K.E.P.AP. Vivian Lioliou and the president of the school committees Evangelia
Sakkali.
In addition, the event in Larissa at the
Municipal Gallery – G.I. Katsigra Museum on 15/4 was attended by
representatives of the Municipality, the Directorate of Secondary Education,
and the Municipal Youth Council, who shared with students their thoughts on the
importance of the participation of adolescents and young people in social and
political events in their city.
Importantly, the Deputy Mayor for
Governance, Education and Lifelong Learning of the Municipality of Larisa,
Dimitris Deligiannis, stated that "… today's event has at its core an
electronic platform that enables electronic consultations, discussions with
young people on issues that affect them and concern. The truth is that in a
period of generalized crisis, we need their voice and I think we have an
obligation to give them an opportunity to voice it through this process."
The U-Report platform will dynamically
continue its journey to other cities in Greece! Children and young people in
Greece can become members of U-Report Greece and participate in the first poll
by sending the word "REGISTER" via Viber, Facebook Messenger or
WhatsApp.
