The IRIS Network Regional Social Academy – “Human Rights and Social Inclusion of children and youth at risk”.
Regional Social Academy this year, was held in Skopje, North Macedonia, from 24 – 28 November 2024 within the project Strengthening capacities and policy engagement of community service providers – IRIS PROGRESS.
The main topic of Academy was “Human Rights and Social Inclusion of children and youth at risk”. This year, 30 participants attended Academy from organisations that are members of IRIS network from six Western Balkans countries.
The main focus of Academy was to strengthen capacities of its members and engage them through learning and practical activities in integrating a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) with children and youth-focused strategies, social service delivery, and instruments and mechanisms for protecting beneficiaries’ rights.
1 Day of Regional Social Academy
The first day of the Academy was focused on exploring issues of social exclusion and educational inequalities, with particular attention to children and youth from marginalized groups, such as Roma communities. Through workshop, special emphasis was placed on the role of education as a tool for inclusion. Regarding that, participants were divided into groups to develop strategies aimed at reducing educational disparities among marginalized children and youth.
The first day of the Academy provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and initiated discussions on solutions to address the needs of children and youth at risk.
2 Day of Regional Social Academy
Second day, the workshop started with discussion about barriers to mental health services and strategies to improve accessibility for children and youth in need. Through teamwork, participants addressed the needs and challenges and in order to prevent those issues, and as a result they designed a strategy for improving mental health services for youth at risk.
In the afternoon, study visits were organized where participants were divided into two groups to visit local civil society organizations (CSOs) working in the field of child and youth protection:
- Group 1 visited the organization HERA, organization that is focusing on reproductive health and rights, as well as comprehensive support for vulnerable children and youth.
- Group 2 went to the Day Care Center for Street Children in Shuto Orizari, which is specialized in providing essential services and support for street children.
Both groups were engaged in interactive discussions with practitioners, shared insights and exchanged knowledge on effective practices and challenges in the field. These discussions allowed participants to gain practical perspectives on the implementation of programs aimed at improving the well-being and rights of marginalized children and youth.
3 Day of Regional Social Academy
The third day of the Academy focused on understanding and addressing various forms of violence and abuse impacting children and youth, emphasizing the psychological, emotional, and societal consequences. Some of the topics that were covered by this sessions are: the prevalence and dynamics of violence, bullying (both in-person and online), and discrimination; the long-term consequences of such experiences, both at the individual and societal levels.
Moreover, day 3 emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach which involves all stakeholders – schools, law enforcement, community organizations, and policymakers—to address the challenges of violence, cybercrime, and marginalization effectively. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants identified ways to strengthen the protective framework around children and youth, ensuring their safety and well-being in both physical and digital spaces.
4 Day of Regional Social Academy – Program Closure
The fourth day of the Academy, focused on understanding the root causes of risky behaviors among youth, with a specific emphasis on juvenile delinquency and prevention strategies. One of the topics that were discussed: root causes of risky behaviors among youth, including socio-economic and family-related factors, prevention strategies, highlighting the role of education, community engagement, and family support and case studies showcasing successful interventions and reintegration programs for youth offenders. Following the lecture, participants engaged in group discussions, exchanging ideas and proposing further actions to prevent juvenile delinquency in their communities.
Closing Ceremony:
The program is concluded with a certificate award ceremony for all participants. IRIS network thanks all participants for their dedication and efforts and emphasize the importance of applying the acquired knowledge to improve the situation of children and youth at risk.
Regional Social Academy is part of the regular IRIS program activities, organized annually.
