COMPASS National and Regional Training Courses on Human Rights Education with Young People

Regional Human Rights Training Course in Albania Empowers Youth Advocates

A regional training course focused on Human Rights Education concluded successfully on July 24th, 2024, at the Hotel Mondial in Tirana. Organized by Roma Versitas Albania (RVA) and supported by the Council of Europe (CoE), the course brought together 25 participants from diverse backgrounds, including youth workers, students, human rights activists, and police officers.

Empowering Youth for Human Rights

The training, which ran from April 21 to July 24, 2024, aimed to equip participants with essential tools and knowledge to advocate for and protect human rights. The course covered a range of critical topics, including whitewashing, cyberbullying, hate speech, and racial profiling, aligning with the Council of Europe’s Compass training manual. This approach allowed participants to engage with theory through interactive discussions, exercises, and case studies contextualized to the Albanian setting.

A Diverse and Engaged Cohort

The course attracted a total of 57 applicants, from which 25 were selected based on criteria including gender balance and professional experience. The gender distribution among attendees was notably diverse, with 13 women and 7 men participating. Trainers for the course included Mr. Liridon Shurdhani, a Council of Europe expert, alongside Mrs. Ersida Teliti and Mrs. Lorenca Bejko, who were chosen for their extensive experience in non-formal education.

Key Achievements and Impact

Participants were encouraged to implement human rights education initiatives in their communities and professional settings. The course fostered a collaborative environment, leading to the development of new advocacy proposals and networking opportunities. Notably, the training emphasized the importance of integrating human rights principles into various sectors, potentially influencing youth policy and work practices.

Feedback from participants highlighted the course’s effectiveness in enhancing their understanding of human rights issues and their ability to address them. Many expressed that the non-formal education tools used were engaging and practical, providing them with new insights and skills.

Looking Ahead

Roma Versitas Albania plans to support participants in implementing their proposed initiatives, including advocacy campaigns and educational activities in schools. The organization also seeks continued guidance and support from the Council of Europe to expand these efforts and further promote human rights education.

The training course not only achieved its goals but also set a strong foundation for ongoing human rights advocacy in Albania, showcasing the potential for regional collaboration and impact in advancing human rights education.