At Save the Children, we recently had the immense pleasure of hosting the bright and enthusiastic students from the University of Prishtina (UP) Summer School during their study visit to Kosovo. This visit was part of their academic curriculum, aimed at providing them with practical insights into the real-world challenges and advancements in child rights and development. The event was a resounding success, marked by an engaging session that left a lasting impression on both the students and our team.

Understanding Child Rights in Kosovo

The session began with a comprehensive overview of the child rights situation in Kosovo. Despite significant progress over the years, many challenges persist in ensuring that every child's rights are fully protected and promoted. The students were introduced to various aspects of child rights, including education, healthcare, protection from violence, and participation in societal activities. Through detailed presentations and discussions, they gained a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks, policies, and initiatives that are in place to safeguard these rights.

One of the critical topics covered was the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Kosovo. The students learned about the efforts being made to align national laws and practices with international standards, as well as the obstacles that still need to be overcome. This segment of the session highlighted the importance of advocacy, community involvement, and continuous monitoring to ensure that child rights are upheld across all sectors of society.

Save the Children's Holistic Approach

Following the overview of the child rights landscape, the session delved into Save the Children's holistic approach to child development and rights. Our organization believes that addressing the multifaceted needs of children requires a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various domains of their lives. The students were introduced to our programs and initiatives that focus on education, health, protection, and child participation.

Education: We shared our efforts in promoting inclusive and quality education for all children in Kosovo. This includes initiatives to support early childhood education, improve school infrastructure, and train teachers to adopt child-friendly pedagogies. The students were particularly interested in our projects aimed at reducing dropout rates and ensuring that marginalized children, including those with disabilities, have access to education.

Protection: Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation is a cornerstone of our work. The session covered our initiatives to strengthen child protection systems, support victims of violence, and promote safe environments for children both at home and in their communities. The students were moved by the stories of resilience and recovery shared by our field workers.

Child Participation: Empowering children to have a voice in matters that affect them is a fundamental principle of our approach. We discussed our efforts to create platforms for children to express their views, participate in decision-making processes, and advocate for their rights. The students were inspired by the success stories of children who have become active agents of change in their communities.

Interactive Learning and Exchange of Ideas

The interactive nature of the session allowed for a dynamic exchange of ideas between the students and our team. They engaged in lively discussions, asked thought-provoking questions, and shared their perspectives on various issues. This two-way interaction not only enriched the students' learning experience but also provided us with fresh insights and ideas.

The students expressed their admiration for the dedication and commitment of Save the Children staff in improving the lives of children in Kosovo. They appreciated the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of our work and to learn about the challenges and rewards of working in the field of child rights and development.

In conclusion, the study visit was a valuable opportunity for both the students and Save the Children. It fostered a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding child rights and showcased the importance of a holistic approach to addressing these challenges. We look forward to future collaborations with educational institutions like the University of Prishtina to continue inspiring and empowering young minds to make a difference in the lives of children around the world.