RTK - FR Yugoslavia Field

Right to Know volunteers from all over Yugoslavia had their first opportunity to get together and swap ideas at a recent seminar. Bringing together young people from several NGOs and cities, the seminar presented the results of research conducted in 16 Belgrade municipalities and hosted sessions that allowed participants to use PAR tools such as role-play, theater and other methods to communicate with other young people.

At the seminar, the young people were able to put into practice the communication methods they had suggested in earlier phases of the project. This served as a valuable pilot test for the strategies that will be implemented later throughout the country. Young people practised survey techniques with other people at the seminar site, enacting skits and videotaping sessions. They also brainstormed new ways to communicate with the broader youth population. One approach discussed involves using “information boxes” to be placed in each school; students can submit questions about HIV/AIDS and have answers posted on school bulletin boards. This type of communication would enable students to ask questions anonymously without fear and to learn new facts. The young people participating in the seminar were especially excited about working with cameras, creating their own scenarios, and making use of the opportunity to express themselves in different ways. Because all of the participants were close to one another in age and interests, they were able to exchange ideas and suggestions freely.

The results of the seminar will be incorporated into the second phase of the Right to Know initiative. For this phase, the young people are planning activities that will integrate the results of research from different communities, using such instruments as photography, the media, and theater. These approaches have special appeal for young people and will enable them to present their views and acquire new skills and information.

Source:
UNICEF Right to Know Initiative, November 2002.