RIGHTS FOR YOUNG

This project was funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme. This publication reflects only the views of the author and the funder cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Description of project• One of the the objectives proposed of the association when

establishment was to promote human rights among young people. Thus one of the first activities of the association has been organizing information campaigns on human rights among young people. In 2013, the campaign’s promotion of human rights led to the organization of a symposium entitled "The young Romanian, a European citizen" and attended high school students. In this symposium, the organizers (association members) found that young people do not have basic knowledge about human rights, do not know what to do when these rights are violated. For how many more young people have access to information on human rights association volunteers searching new ways to promote, both nationally and internationally.

• Thus was born the project which aims to collect groups of young people of different nationalities, who during the eight days to acquire the necessary knowledge in the most important human rights and the following exchange activities to achieve a brochure (printed and electronic) containing information about the project conducted and information on human rights and how they can defend their rights. This brochure we want to provide young people, NGOs and local authorities to increase access at dates to youth. Therefore, this project is a multilateral youth exchange, under the Erasmus + programme. Youth will participate in activities that are based on non-formal and informal learning approaches such as discussion, presentation, creativity stimulating games, role playing, knowledge games, intended to make young people acquire various skills communication, teamwork, creativity and knowledge of human rights.

• To achieve these results, the project promoters have established the following main objectives of the project:

• Increased information about human rights among the 24 young people, aged between 18 and 25 years, coming from Romania, Latvia, Turkey and Poland over a period of eight days;

• Making brochure entitled "Rights for young" which will include information on Erasmus Plus, project in progress and most important information on basic human rights, within two months of completion of exchange activity in language English;

• After the main activity, promoters will work on a brochure entituled "Rights for young" which will contain details of the Erasmus+, details of partner organizations and details of human rights. This brochure will be behind the organization of the workshop to be attended by representatives of the target group in order to increase the level of information on human rights.

• Erasmus+ is the EU Programme in the fields of education, training, youth and sport for the period 2014-2020. Education, training, youth and sport can make a major contribution to help tackle socio-economic changes, the key challenges that Europe will be facing until the end of the decade and to support the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy for growth, jobs, social equity and inclusion.

•  The Erasmus+ Programme is designed to support Programme Countries' efforts to efficiently use the potential of Europe’s human talent and social capital, while confirming the principle of lifelong learning by linking support to formal, non-formal and informal learning throughout the education, training and youth fields. The Programme also enhances the opportunities for cooperation and mobility with Partner Countries, notably in the fields of higher education and youth.

• The Erasmus+ Programme shall contribute to the achievement of:• the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, including the headline

education target• the objectives of the strategic framework for European cooperation in

education and training (ET 2020), including the corresponding benchmarks• the sustainable development of Partner Countries in the field of higher

education• the overall objectives of the renewed framework for European cooperation

in the youth field (2010-2018)• the objective of developing the European dimension in sport, in particular

grassroots sport, in line with the EU work plan for sport• the promotion of European values in accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty

on the European Union

Erasmus+ Description

OUR NGOThe association Melente – Pivas & Fiii is a non-governmental organization, from Bucharest Romania. Was founded in 2011 and the purpose of our organization is to achieve educational projects, cultural and social which involve young people, providing them with professional and personal development. We give special attention in educating and training young people for the integration and adaptation in the society. We propose projects that meet the real needs of today’s youth and volunteers. We are always looking for creative ideas.

The purpose of the association Melente - Pivas & Fiii is the development of specific programs for children, youth and adults through their direct involvement and volunteers, in: • education: by promoting best practice in education; modernizing attitudes and

mentalities in relation to education; improving educational techniques, developing communication ability and freedom of expression of youth and volunteers

• social: development of projects for disabled and disadvantaged categories• culture and art: by promoting and developing culture in a responsible and

constructive manner;

• sport: promoting sports among young;

• tourism-entertainment: thematic tourism development by combining methods of learning through entertainment;

• ecology: environmental protection and pollution mitigation;

• economic: development of entrepreneurial activities in order to attract funds to run in good conditions the annually projects by the association;

• EUfemia is an association for social promotion in the cultural field, promoted by a group of young people committed to supporting the process of European integration, established in January 2010.

• Thanks to tools like life-long learning, non-formal education, intercultural dialogue, exchanges and networking, our association aims to develop active citizenship educational programs in a European context, especially in the fields of Youth, Equal opportunities and Social Inclusion.

Partner description

SHAFT is a non-profit and non-governmental organization. The range of our work was and still the area of Kars, to develop cultural and educational means which is lead to promote the well-being of our community by serving children and children with special needs, empower youth and women's development in the areas of Kars. Other mission is to promote and encourage an interest in the history, traditions, arts, crafts, language, and culture of Kars and of those of Azerbaijanis descent within Kars and surrounding areas. Our vision is to have an integrated, self-sufficient, supportive, group of Azerbaijanis and associated people interested in sharing these cultural values.

Partner description

Express Yourself

Organization priorities are to create partnerships between youth organizations. Usual activities at first are to break language barriers between different countries. Training courses about volunteering, and different types of discussions to understand each other’s objectives and priorities. When people have their opinion and when they understand each other, we can build a partnership between youth organisations. It`s a good formal education.

RIGHTS FOR YOUNG

Activities descriptionMAIN ACTIVITIES OF PROJECT

 

Day 1

This day it was focus to knowledge of participants. For that the young people participated in team-building activities.

”I learned how we can work and comunicat together with other people which are foreign for me” – Anil, Turkey

”I learned new non-formal education method” – Emi, România

”I learned how to stay with other guys of foreign countries and to play in a group without competition” – Jlenia, Italy

Day 2

Act is out - Through this drama activity participants present their perceptions of the general concept of human rights;Fighters for rights - This activity uses information cards to stimulate interest in human rights heroes. The issues to be discussed include: political repression, human rights activists in the twentieth century, the struggle for rights in various countries;Education for all? - In this activity participants have to locate and match pairs of cards as they think out about the inequalities of educational provision world-wide and how to achieve “Education for All”;On the ladder - This activity involves role play and discussion. Participants reflect on the meaning of youth participation and discuss ways of increasing their own participation in the local community;

”I learnt that we have to take more care about the poor people that can not go to the school. We should help them to do that” – Iosif, Romania”I learnt some specific things about human and children rights and also turkish traditions” – Kristiana, Latvia”I learnt about human rights and about the work done by UNESCO to promote education for all without compromising on quality. Also I learnt about lifelong education” – Govind, Italy 

Day 3

Language barrier - This is a simulation of the difficulties that refugees face when applying for asylum. Issues raised include: the frustrations and emotional factors refugees have to face, overcoming the language barrie, discrimination during the application procedure;Path to Equality-land - This activity involves small group work, imagination, and drawing to explore issues of gender equality and discrimination against women;Ashique’s story - This is a discussion activity. The starting point is a case study of a child labourer. Participants go on to explore aspects of child labour, the causes and how to end it;Children’s rights - This activity uses diamond ranking to promote discussion about the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), including: fundamental human rights and the special rights of the child under the CRC, duties and responsibilities under the Convention, how to claim the rights.

”Today I learnt how we can stop the child labour” – Arturs, Latvia

”I liked videos and stories about human children and poor countries. We are blessed and we can change help the poor children” – Jlenia, Italy

”I learnt what is child labour and the importance of education” – Nicola, Italy

Day 4

Flower power - At the end of this activity you will have a wall of flowers that represents the diversity of the group. This is a creative activity that leads into a discussion about human rights in general: what they are, why they exist and how we should protect them;Soon to be outdated - In this activity people discuss how beliefs develop, how they are reinforced and how and why they change over time;Do we have alternatives? - This is a role-play activity that addresses issues of interpersonal violence, bullying;Domestic affairs - Participants discuss case studies to analyse the causes of, and ways to prevent different types of domestic violence.

”Today I learnt what means bullying and how can I stop this” – Alexandru, România

”I learnt new stuff about bullying. I liked the trip around the town” – Oskar, Latvia

”I like this trainer and his team. They listened peoples opinions and created a city quest. Flexibility it was good. Thank you” – Didzis, Latvia

Day 5

I want to work - This activity uses role-play to explore issues about the right to employment for people with disabilities;Different wages - This is a simulation that confronts people with the realities of the labour market. It addresses issues of: different wages for the same job, discrimination in the workplace, policies of low pay for young workers;Visit of Mihai Sturzu, parliamentary and the initiator of volunteering law in Romania – he spoke with the participants about the life cycle of a law: from idea to the implementation;All equal – all different - This is a short quiz, provocative enough to be interesting in itself but also the basis for an effective group discussion;3 Things - This activity uses discussion and diamond ranking to help people understand what it is like to suddenly flee one’s home.

”I learnt that we have to find new solutions to facilitate the integration of people with disabilities in society. It was very interesting to play the role of person with disability who was applying for a job and analized the dificuties that people with disabilities face it” – Nicola, Italy

”I learnt more about volunteers and voluntiering and some aspects about right to work” – Mariana, România

”I liked the visit from gouverment and the sesion of Mihai Sturzu” – Kristiana, Latvia

Day 6

Electioneering - This is a discussion-based activity that addresses: rights and responsibilities connected with democracy, democratic discussion;

Chahal v. UK - A simulation, a mini-trial that looks at a real case that came before the European Court of Human Rights;

Change your glasses - This is a very simple outdoor exercise in wich participants go out and explore the locality through someone else’s eyes;

Can I come in? - This is a role-play about a group of refugees trying to escape to another country. It addresses: the plight of refugees, the social and economic arguments for giving and denying asylum.

”I learnt how to speak with the people about human rights and how can I find new solutions for people with problems” – Jlenia, Italy

”I learnt the people have different opinions and points of view about human rights. I liked to make videos about human rights. It was pretty interesting. Also I enjoyed working into groups” – Nadina, Latvia

”I learnt about European Human Rights Convention” – Gamze, Turkey

Day 7

Visit the Bran castle or Bucegi Mountains: participants had free time and the had the oportunity to visit these tourist attractions;

Where do you stand? - In this discussion activity people literally stand up for their opinions;

Take a step forward - We are all equal, but some are more equal than others. In this activity participants take on roles and move forward depending on their chances and opportunities in life.

”Our trip to Brasov gave us the chance to relax after previous days activities” – Artur, Latvia

”I liked the Romanian Mountains” – Amit, Italy

Day 8

This day was focused to evaluation of the project and the auto-evaluation of participants.

 

 

Fighters for r ights

Nelson Mandela: ”I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a dem ocratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Born in a village near Umtata, and was elected President of the Republic of South Africa in the first democratic elections in that country at the age of 76. Up to that point – and be yond – his/her life was devoted to the fight against apartheid, the racist system used by the former white government to suppress the majority black population. S/he suffered various forms of repression: was banned from meetings, forced to go into hiding, and was finally arrested, and sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 44. S/he spent the next 28 years of his/her life behind bars, away from his/her family and children.   

Martin Luther King: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.” Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1929, when the law required blacks to occupy special seats in buses, theatres and cinemas, and to drink from separate water fountains from whites. When s/he was 28, co-founded an organisation of black churches that encouraged non-violent marches, demonstrations and boycotts against racial segregation. The organisation participated in a protest in Birmingham, Alabama, at which hundreds of singing school children filled the streets in support. The police were ordered in with attack dogs and firemen with high-pressure hoses. S/he was arrested and jailed.

Fighters for r ights

Mahatma Gandhi: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of man kind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.” Born in 1869, to Hindu parents who lived in Gujarat, when India was still held by force in the British Empire. S/he led the struggle for Independence, never straying from his/her firm belief in non-violent protest and religious tolerance, despite being arrested and imprisoned on several occasions. When Indians acted violently against one another, or against the British Raj, s/he fasted until the violence ended. S/he led a 241 mile march across India, and persuaded followers to accept the brutality of the police and soldiers without retaliation. S/he spent a total of 2338 days in jail in a life tirelessly devoted to peace.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: “We’re not trying to destroy or annihilate the military regime; they are always threatening to annihilate us but ... the pur pose of our movement is to create a society that offers secu rity to all our people, including the military.” Born in 1945, in Burma, s/he was the child of the assassi nated national hero in the struggle for independence from colonial rule. Became a popular leader of the struggle for democracy against a cruel military regime and was nearly assassinated by an army unit ordered to aim their rifles at him/her. Was placed under house arrest for 6 years without being charged with any crime, and was effectively cut off from the outside world. Even when released, the government prevented him/her from seeing his/her dying spouse. In 1991 he/she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On 13 Novem ber 2010 s/he was released from house arrest.

Source: Compass – Manual for human rights education with young people (2012 edition), written by: Patricia Brander, Laure De Witte, Nazila Ghanea, Rui Gomes, Ellie Keen, Anastasia Nikitina, Justina Pinkeviciute  

What a re human r igh ts?

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, language or any other status.Which is the legal framework? Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948);International Covenant on civil and political rights (1966);International Covenant on economic, social and cultural rights (1966);Convention on the elimination of discrimination against women (1979);Convention on the rights of the Child (1989). Which are the main issues of human rights?Domestic jurisdiction;Reservations to treaties;Different concept of rights among states;

DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS?

Here are some of them:

Right to work:

Everyone has right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment;Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work;Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection;Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests; Childs rights – child labour:

The term “child labour” is often defined as work that deprived children of their childhood, their potential and their diginity, and that’s harmful for their physical and mental development;It refers to work that: is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children and interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school or obliging them to leave school prematurely. Causes of child labour:Poverty;Large families;No legal rights to children;Children are cheap labour;Easy to control; 

   

Who is responsible for child labour? - Over populated countries with large amounts of people that live below the poverty line and lack of schools are considered the primary cause of child labour it is not uncommon to see parents of large families, force their children to engage as laboures to earn money for their family’s sake.

Which is the legal framework? - Convention on the rights of the child (1989). Here are some articles from CRC:

ART. 1 - For the purposes of the present Convention, a child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier;

ART. 2 - Non Discrimination;

ART. 3 - Best Interest of the Child;

ART. 6 - Right to life;

ART. 12 - Right to be heard.

Right to education:

Everyone has right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment;

Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.

Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity ,and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection;

Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests;

The goal is to empower the child by developing his or her skills, learning and other capacities, human dignity, self esteem and self confidence. The child’s right to education is not only a matter of access but also of content.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS?

Which is the legal framework?

International Covenant on civil and political rights (1966);

International Covenant on economics, social and cultural rights (1966);

Convention on the rights of the Child (1989);

More human rights: right to belief, right to freedom, safety, right to vote, healthy, environment, migration. 

Who protect these rights? – Here are few of international organizations and NGOs which fight for the human rights:• United nations;• Amnesty international;• European court of justice;• Green peace;• Oxfam.

 

 

Our duty to raise awareness about human tights and spread knowledge among the society.

What did you learn?

This project was funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+Programme. This publication reflects only the views of the author and thefunder cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of theinformation contained therein.

Contact

• Address: Avenue Ferdinand number 5 A, Sector 2, Bucharest, Romania.

• E-mail address: asociatiamelente@gmail.com• Site: http://melentepivas.org/• Telephone:  021.2521.485 and 0722529908