The National Network for Children and the Youth Network “Megaphone” has organized the seventh edition of the forum: “Voice It: Opinion that matters”. This year, adolescents will be looking for the answers of the questions- where, when and why do we need a filter. The focus will be on the risks in the online environment and the web filters we use to protect ourselves when communicating online. The second important topic focuses on the means that help us keep the environment clean.

This event enables the children who are part of the Youth Network “Megaphone” to express their views and opinion on certain public and social topics, selected in advance, Antoaneta Baeva. Manager “Communications and Campaigns” at the National Network for Children said in an interview for BNR-Vidin.

“The event is part of the activity of the Youth Network “Megaphone”. For more than ten years, the network has been helping young people to freely express their opinion and be active citizens. It helps them better understand the social and public processes in the country, to form their own opinion and be able to defend it.”

We need to educate responsible and curious young people today, in order to have a vigilant, active and responsible society tomorrow. The National Network for Children unites more than 135 civil society organizations and supporters, which have a common cause- to ensure optimal childcare. Specialists and experts dedicated to this cause help more than 140,000 children from 76,000 families on an annual basis. They are working a lot towards changing the legislation in Bulgaria. Thus, the National Network for Children counterbalances the actions of the government with regard to the children’s policies, Antoaneta Baeva explains. Like any civic organization, the National Network for Children also relies on donations, so that it can carry out its activity in a sustainable manner.

“Youth participation is of extreme importance, because children can share their opinions on topics of interest and important topics concerning their lives. This point of view is very important, because it enables all institutions connected with lawmaking regarding children and families, take the best decisions.”

Working with young people is a long process. It does not take a day or two, Antoaneta Baeva said. All young people who join the Youth Network “Megaphone” take a two-year course. They attend a series of meetings with experts, work with mentors, learn how to communicate best and acquire skills to analyze different situations and information.

The forum “VOICE IT. Opinion that matters” is the end result of the children’s efforts made throughout the year.

It will mark the 32nd anniversary since the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which falls on November 20. UNCRC is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, economic, political, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities. The Convention has been in force in Bulgaria since June 1991.

Compiled by: Vesela Krasteva (based on an interview by Anzhela Kamenova, BNR-Vidin)

English version: Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: National Network for Children