At the invitation of the Center for Girls Niš, the Center for Youth Integration (CYI) took part in delivering a three-day training programme and mentoring sessions in Sokobanja as part of the project “Carefree and Safe – Preventing Violence Against Children Who Live and Work/Beg on the Streets and/or Live in Poverty”, supported by the European Union through the DAPHNE (Eurochild) programme.
Our colleagues Dragana Vučković and Aleksandra Šijan served as trainers for the programme designed for future community mediators. Through the training and mentoring sessions, participants strengthened the knowledge and skills needed to work with women, children, and families at risk. The programme covered the role and responsibilities of community mediators, fieldwork practices, conducting initial conversations with women and families, and the core values that guide community mediation.
As part of the programme, a training entitled “Children in Street Situations – Preventing Violence and Discrimination through Multi-sectoral Cooperation” was also organized for representatives of public institutions and civil society organizations from Niš. The training brought together 20 participants from the Centre for Social Work, Ministry of the Interior, Misdemeanour Court, Public Prosecutor’s Office, “Duško Radović” Children’s Home, Shelter, School of Fashion and Beauty, Business and Law School, School of Economics, “Vuk Karadžić” Primary School, and the civil society organization Protekta.
During the training, participants discussed who children in street situations are, the social concept of child labour, the relevant legal framework, the challenges and opportunities of a multi-sectoral approach, and practical steps for strengthening cooperation among institutions and organizations in protecting children.
We would like to thank the Center for girls Niš for their trust and for the opportunity to contribute our expertise to strengthening the capacities of professionals and future community mediators, while supporting the development of a more coordinated and effective child protection system for children living and working in street situations and their families.
