UNICEF Greece Country Office
and the Network for Children’s Rights (NCR), in collaboration with the
Municipality of Trikala welcomed U-Report with an event at the Tsitsanis Museum
in the town of Trikala on the 5th of May. This is the fourth event
hosted throughout Greece for the promotion of the U-Report platform to teens
and youth!
Approximately 50 students from local junior and senior high schools attended the event and observed carefully as the presentation of the U-Report platform and its objective took place. Participants were given further information on how to register on the platform and were provided with a theoretical background regarding electronic deliberation as a means of participation in public matters. Additionally, the students engaged in a productive conversation and provided ample examples about the different ways of youth participation. They later learned about their right to free expression, as enshrined in Article 12 of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Almost all participants registered on
the platform and as new U-Reporters responded to the first poll on "What
would you like from local authorities to make your cities more child and youth
friendly?" The results of the poll will be taken into account for the
development of action plans under the Program 'Child Friendly Cities', in which the
Municipality of Trikala has joined as a candidate city. Through their ideas
reflected in the conversation, students talked about the importance of
incorporating child-friendly policies in city planning, such as creating better
facilities for recreation and sports, hosting cultural events and ensuring all
children enjoy a safe school environment.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Trikala,
Dimitris Papastergiou, attended the event and spoke poignantly to students
about the importance of participation in public life noting that "… as
young people, you are aware of the issues that you are facing. It is important
for you to help us provide solutions to things that concern you, rather than
just be passive viewers. I know it is difficult to be motivated sometimes,
especially during your teenage years, but your voice and opinions matter
because we cannot do things for you without you!”
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 'JOIN' via Viber, Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
