2July2013 INCLUDING YOUTH VOICES: REGIONAL ADOLESCENT AND YOUTH CONSULATION ON EDUCATION EQUITY AND THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT

GOALS FOR EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA Organized by UNICEF and the International Youth Leadership Academy 31 August - 6 September 2013 Istanbul, Turkey Deadline for Applications: 18 July 2012 Introduction UNICEF and the International Youth Leadership Academy of Turkey are organizing a Youth Consultation with three aims: 1) Building skills. To provide an opportunity for adolescents and youth and their organizations to improve their skills and capacity to contribute to improving education and other social services in their countries 2) Engaging adolescents and youth voices in education policy discussions. To provide adolescents and youth the opportunity to participate in and contribute their perspectives to the development of a Call for Action for governments to better include all children in education 3) Including adolescents and youth voices in discussions on the post-2015 development goals which is focused on the development of a new set of international development goals that will replace the Millennium Development Goals, which expire in 2015 (http://www.worldwewant2015.org/). The skills building component aims to develop the capacity, skills and experience of the participants on human rights, youth and child rights and participation as well as more specifically the situation of education in the region and the challenges that research evidence have identified in education in the region. Therefore, this training will focus on theoretical learning combined with various case studies from Turkey and other participating countries. Participants will develop an action plan to follow up on the outcomes of the meeting upon their return to their home countries. During this process, participants will be followed by experts and supported with various materials that will enable them to get prepared for their work back in their countries. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from other young people and youth organizations around the world. The second component will focus on engaging young people in the development of a Call for Action document that will be presented in December at a Conference with all Ministers of Education in the region to encourage them to invest more in including all children in quality learning. This Conference will mark the beginning of a Regional Initiative to improve the situation of education access and quality. During the consultation component, participants will discuss their priorities and recommendations for making education more equal for all children and for making the quality of schools better. Through their discussions they will draft their inputs to the Call for Action document and design their contribution to and participation in the Ministerial Conference. 1

2July2013 The third component will focus on engaging young people in the discussion on the post-2015 development agenda that will take place during the Regional Post-2015 Consultation. During this component, participants will brainstorm around and identify the most important issues facing them and then present those issues and their justification at the Regional Consultation on the Post-2015 agenda that will take place the 5-6 September 2013 in Istanbul. Who are we? Habitat Center for Development and Governance was established as a part of the Youth for Habitat International Network at the Copenhagen Social Development Summit in 1995, and has approximately 300 members in nearly 100 countries, Habitat was founded as an association by youth activists of the United Nations Human Settlements (Habitat II) Conference, which was held in 1995 in Istanbul. Habitat first started to work under the name Association of Implementing Decisions of Habitat and Agenda 21, then under Habitat and Agenda 21 Youth Association, and until September 2011, Youth Association for Habitat. The association was restructured in 2011 and changed its name to Habitat Center for Development and Governance. Habitats mission is to support children, youth, women, and the disabled in terms of sustainable development and participation in decision-making processes through developing the capacities of young people. Habitat believes in spreading a more transparent, accountable culture of good governance based on partnership by accepting disabled and disadvantaged groups, such as youth, and viewing them as equal partners in improving awareness of participation in social and political life. Habitat facilitates mutual participation of all activists at the local and national level. Habitat has assisted with the configuration of the local, regional, and national youth platforms and networks with the aim of enabling young people in decision-making processes. With this vision, Habitat aims to contribute to the activities carried out at the local, regional, national, and international level by developing joint programs with international organizations, public agencies, private sectors, and civil society organizations. With the partnership of Women, Youth, Children Councils, and Councils of Disabled People configured all under the umbrella of the National Youth Parliament and City Councils, Habitat contributes to The United Nations Millennium Development Goals with the creation of urban policies on the basis of rights, access to information and effective use of communication technologies, awareness of social gender and sexual health/reproductive health, development of entrepreneurship and financial knowledge and skills, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The International Youth Leadership Academy (IYLA), which is coordinated by Habitat, was established in Istanbul as a result of a partnership between Habitat, CORIO, Save the Children, UNICEF Turkey, United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Section (UCLG-MEWA), and the World Academy of Local Governments and Democracy (WALD). The aim of the IYLA is to establish a contemporary youth leadership training centre and international training school providing a suitable environment for non-formal education, capacity building and the enhancement of leadership skills among young people. The IYLA serves as a pivotal development center for youth supporting the implementation of the internationally-recognized rights of youth and children and the UNs policies for youth. 2

2July2013 These rights and policies and other related documents will constitute the main basis for the international component of the academy. In addition to its ongoing work in Turkey, the IYLA is currently consolidating the curricula developed so far and working on the development of new curricula and training programmes for use with young people not only from Turkey but also from other countries in Southeast Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. Save the Children is the worlds largest independent international childrens right organisation, making a difference in children's lives in over 120 countries. With its 30 national organizations and global staff of more than 15,000 Save the Children focuses on education, protection and healthcare from emergency relief to long-term development. Since 1919 Save the Children is helping children to achieve a happy, healthy and secure childhood, Save the Children secures and protects children's rights to food, shelter, healthcare, education and freedom from violence, abuse and exploitation. Save the Children works together with governments and with local, national and international organizations to improve childrens lives directly and to influence the policies that support it. A commitment to building the capacity of local organizations is a core belief and way of operating for Save the Children. The International Youth Leadership Academy is part of the Youth academy program that is being funded by CORIO through Save the Children Netherlands. Besides, funding Save the Children is also providing technical support. UNICEF is the United Nations agency specialized in childrens and young peoples rights. All of its work is guided by the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, the most widely adopted human rights treaty in history. It views child rights as an essential component of human development as foreseen in the United Nations Charter and the Millennium Development Goals. Aims and Objectives The weeks programme will have the following aims and objectives: To strengthen young peoples skills in key areas necessary for working in civil society, such as leadership skills, advocacy skills, knowledge of child rights, knowledge of child participation To build the capacity of young peoples organizations to take an active and effective role in advocating for the rights of children and youth within human rights perspective To provide an opportunity for young people to contribute to discussions around the 2015 international development goals (to replace the Millennium Development Goals) To include young people in discussion of how to make education in the region more equal for all and better quality so that we can share their views with Ministers of Education from the region in the Conference at the end of the year To provide an opportunity for young people from the region to exchange information and experiences and to establish a networks for further collaboration To share good practices and tools in the area of education across countries in the region To promote tolerance and appreciation of diversity To encourage and empower young people to return to their countries and make contributions to improving the situation of education for their peers and future generations 3

2July2013 To give young people the opportunity to participate in the Regional Consultation on the Post-2015 Agenda and the Ministers Conference on including all children in quality learning

Participants The programme will have 31 participants. Twenty-six participants will be selected from Europe and Central Asia. Priority will be given to applications from: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo under UNSCR 1244, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, St. Helena, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Two young people will be selected from youth led organizations based in Western Europe. Three young people will be selected from youth organizations in Indonesia, Mexico and Brazil. Applicants most importantly should be passionate about making their country a better place for all children. Applicants should have a particular interest in improving the quality of education. Applicants should fall into should: be between 10 and 25 years of age, be from one of the target countries/territories have the ability to use English, Russian, Turkish or Serbo-Croat as a working language; represent a youth NGO and/or be experienced in youth and/or child work, be active in supporting with disadvantaged youth or be interested to do so be passionate about improving the quality of education should have some experience contributing to social projects in their school or community (for example, promoting campaign to improve the quality of education or bringing young people together to work together toward creating positive change in the community) be willing to play an active role in the programme sessions and in your country upon return home, be able to and willing to follow the process and actively implement the activities required by the programme, be able to participate in the Consultation during the first week of September have the opportunity to share their new knowledge, skills and contacts within their own organizations following the program, be committed to carrying out follow-up activities and be pro-active about sharing knowledge and skills gained with peers upon return to your country be willing to communicate with UNICEF after the programme about the work that you are doing at home

All are welcome. The level of education of participants is not a criterion for participation. Training participants will be selected based on gender-equality.
Working Language The Consultation will be conducted in English with translation available for Russian, Turkish and Serbo-Croat speakers. Participants should speak at least one of these languages. 4

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Accommodation Travel costs, accommodation, and meals will be provided and paid for in full. Full details will be sent to selected participants later. Insurance Participants are requested to have their own accident, civil liability and health insurance for the duration of the seminar. Health insurance is not provided and any costs incurred will not be reimbursed by the organizers. All participants are also strongly advised to purchase private travel insurance. Supervising Chaperone All adolescents under the age of 18 will be expected be accompanied by a parent or a trusted and responsible adult guardian. Travel and accommodation for chaperones will be provided. Application Process Young people interested in participating in the programme must return the application forms by e-mail to your local UNICEF Office by 18 July 2013. Candidates will be informed by 1 August 2013 whether they have been accepted, put on the waiting list or refused. Accepted candidates will receive the program documentation directly. The 30 participants will be selected on the basis of the profile outlined above. During the selection process, criteria will be applied to ensure a balance between sexes, geographical regions, and the diversity of religions, cultures, organizations and experiences. Young people with disabilities and those from minority groups are encouraged to apply. To apply kindly following the following steps: 1. Complete the Application Form A: General Information, attached 2. Complete Application Form B: Motivation letter. This form requires you to write a one-page letter of motivation, explaining why you would like to participate in this programme and how you will apply the skills you learn upon your return to your home country. 3. Complete Application Form C: Permission Letter. All participants must complete this form even if you are over the age of 18. 4. Only if you are under the age of 18, complete Application Form D: Designation of chaperone. All Application Forms are attached to this note. The participant selection process will be based on a detailed review of the application forms and motivation letter. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Application forms All required application forms are attached. If you are selected to participate, you will receive more detailed information about travel and accommodation. 5

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Contact information Please feel free to contact UNICEF office in Romania if you need help, have questions or need further information. All applications should be sent to the following email address: [email protected] The contact person in UNICEF Romania office is: Gina Apolzan, Adolescents and Youth Specialist Telephone: +40 21 2017860; Cell. phone: +40 723 550 933

2July2013 APPLICATION FORM A: GENERAL INFORMATION REGIONAL YOUTH CONSULATION FOR EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: ENGAGING ADOLESCENTS AND YOUTH IN IMPROVING EDUCATION AND IN DEFINING THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA Please submit this application form, along with application forms B, C and D (if you are under 18) by 18 July 2013 1. Name and surname 2. Date of Birth 3. City and country 4. Gender 5. Personal phone 6. Personal email address 7. Are you currently enrolled in school or university? If no, how many years of education have you completed? Yes 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 4 years or less 5-9 years 10-15 years More than 15 years I have never been to school No

8. Preferred language of communication 9. Second language of communication 10. How comfortable are you communicating in your second language? 1) Fluent 2) Very Comfortable but not fluent 3) Comfortable but sometimes have difficulty understanding or speaking 4) Not very comfortable and frequently have difficulty understanding or speaking 1) 2) 3) 4) I I I I live live live live in in in in the capital city a big city that is not the capital a small or medium sized town a rural village

11. What kind of place to you live?

12. Do you have difficulty walking? (circle one)

1) No difficulty 2) Some difficulty 7

2July2013 3) 4) 1) 2) 3) 4) 1) 2) 3) 4) 1) 2) 3) 4) A lot of difficulty Cannot do at all No difficulty Some difficulty A lot of difficulty Cannot do at all No difficulty Some difficulty A lot of difficulty Cannot do at all No difficulty Some difficulty A lot of difficulty Cannot do at all

13. Do you have difficulty hearing? (circle one) 14. Do you have difficulty speaking and communicating? (circle one) 15. Do you have difficulty seeing visual presentations? (circle one) 16. If you have difficulty with any of the above, what kind of assistance will you need in order to participate 17. Are you working for a youth-led or youth-serving organization? If so, please describe the work that your organization does and you contribute to the organization 18. Do you have previous experience working on education projects? If so, please describe the projects that you have worked on in the area of education 19. Do you have previous experience working on social change projects? If so, please describe the projects that you have worked on in the area of education 20. Do you have accident, civil liability and health insurance *required

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

2July2013 APPLICATION FORM B: LETTER OF MOTIVATION Please write one page in response to the following questions: a) Why would you like to attend this Regional Youth Consultation? b) How is your background and experience relevant to the topic of the training course? c) How will you apply the skills and knowledge you gain from the programme to improving education in your country when you return?

a)

b)

c)

2July2013 APPLICATION FORM C: PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION TITLE OF EVENT I (names of parent/guardian): _________________________ give my consent for my (circle one) son/daughter/ward whose name is (name of child)_______________________, born on (date of birth of child)___________________________, Passport No. (Passport No. of child)________________________, to travel to Istanbul, Turkey from 31 August 6 September 2013 to participate in the Regional Youth Consultation On Education And The Post2015 Development Goals For Europe And Central Asia. I understand that UNICEF and HABITAT associated with the Regional Youth Consultation On Education And The Post-2015 Development Goals For Europe And Central Asia assume no responsibility for my child/ward (name of child) ________________________ or for any injury or loss sustained to my child/ward (name of child) _______________________ arising out of or related to his/her participation in the Regional Youth Consultation On Education And The Post-2015 Development Goals For Europe And Central Asia. I affirm that I read and understood this document and that I have full authority to give the consent provided for in this document. I affirm that I give my permission for my child/ward to participate in with the Regional Youth Consultation On Education and the Post-2015 Development Goals For Europe and Central Asia. If your child is under the age of 18, please also complete Application Form D: Designation of Chaperone. Date: Name of Child: Full Name of Parent/Guardian: Signature of Parent/Guardian: **Please attach copy of proof of insurance for your child. This is required for participation.

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2July2013 APPLICATION FORM D: DESIGNATION OF CHAPERONE (ONLY REQUIRED IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18)

I appoint (name of chaperone)________________________ to be responsible for my son/daughter/ward (name of child) _________________________ during this trip. My child/ward will travel in the company of (name of chaperone) _____________________, Passport No. (Passport No. of chaperone) _________________________, to participate in the with the Regional Youth Consultation On Education And The Post-2015 Development Goals For Europe And Central Asia and ancillary events which will take place from 31 August- 6 September 2013. In particular, I authorize (name of chaperone) _________________________to make decisions concerning any emergency medical treatment for my/our son/daughter/ward (name of child) _________________________which may be required during this trip. I affirm that arrangements for medical insurance to cover our son/daughter/ward during this trip have been made or will be made, in consultation with the delegation of which our son/daughter/ward is a member. Date: Name of Child: Full Name of Parent/Guardian: Signature of Parent/Guardian: By signing here I agree to the responsibilities described above for chaperones and I have read and agree to the terms described in the Code of Conduct (following page). Full name of Chaperone Signature of Chaperone Full Address of Chaperone:

**Please attach copy of proof of insurance for the chaperone. This is required for participation. 11

2July2013 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CHAPERONES/ACCOMPANYING ADULTS

It is important for the accompanying adults/facilitators in contact with children to: Be aware of situations which may present risks and manage these Ensure that a culture of openness exists to enable any issues or concerns to be raised and discussed. Ensure that a sense of accountability exists between staff so that poor practice or potentially abusive behaviour does not go unchallenged.

In general it is inappropriate to: Spend excessive time alone with children away from others Take children to places where they will be alone with the chaperone/facilitator. The accompanying adult/facilitator must never: Hit or otherwise physically assault or physically abuse children Develop physical/sexual relationships with children Develop relationships with children which could in any way be deemed exploitative or abusive Act in ways that may be abusive or may place a child at risk of abuse. The accompanying adult/facilitator must avoid actions or behaviour that could be construed as poor practice or potentially abusive. For example,

They should never: Use language, make suggestions or offer advice which is inappropriate, offensive or abusive Behave physically in a manner which is inappropriate or sexually provocative Have a child/children with whom they are working to stay overnight in the adults room Do things for children of a personal nature that they can do for themselves Condone, or participate in, behaviour of children which is illegal, unsafe and abusive. Act in ways intended to shame, humiliate, belittle or degrade children, or otherwise perpetrate any form of emotional abuse. Discriminate against, show differential treatment, or favour particular child(ren) to the exclusion of others.

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