Following the first – the second of five mentoring forums for young community leaders, within the Zen 2.0 Caravan project organized by The Equality Association, was successfully held in the Municipality of Gostivar, intended for participants at the age between 16 and 24 years from secondary municipal or state higher education institutions.
The participants were representating as follows: 64% women, against 36% men, of which 93% at secondary education level, and 7% university level od education. The registered participants were under the age of 18 – 71% and over 18 – 29%, by nationality: Macedonians – 57%, Albanians – 29%, Roma – 7%, Turks – 7%.
After the initial online info-session, which took place on January 25, 2024, the committee represented by the mentors of the first mentoring forum, chose the 6 participants.
The Forum took place at Youth Resource Centre iCan – Gostivar, on January 31, 2024, the 6 participants followed three mentoring trainings for the improvement of communication skills, self-advocacy skills and mental and physical health, and after completing them and within the framework of the project, they will be encouraged to solve a local issue of interest to young people and citizens from the Municipality of Gostivar.
The Forum for young leaders started with the mentoring workshop on the topic “Public performance and creative self-presentation”, led by Maria Divitarova, wich has provided the opportunity to the participants to improve their communication skills in verbal and non-verbal communication through practical exercises. Today, in the era of high-tech digital solutions and devices, this issue is a huge challenge for young people potential risk for increased social isolation and loneliness.
The second mentoring session entitled “How to achieve successful individual and group representation” was dedicated to the ways of successful self-representation at various institutions and bodies within the legal system in the country, but also at the international level. In addition, the legal tool was presented – free legal aid, available to everyone. Self-representation is an effective legal form in highly developed countries, which provides opportunities in the process of initiating and achieving positive social changes.
The third session covered the topic “Physical and mental immunity“ and was dedicated to techniques and methods for maintaining stable immunity and balance between physical and mental health. The importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining balance on a physical and mental level with the aim of greater awareness and direction towards positive changes in personal and professional life was discussed.
The young participants expressed great enthusiasm and desire for proactivity and in the following period they will have the opportunity to choose a challenge, which is significant for the youth and the population of the Municipality of Gostivar, and by using the acquired skills and under the mentorship and support of the mentors they will initiate solutions for above mentioned challenge. Through this project cycle, the young leaders will show their fellow citizens from the municipality that the ultimate goal – positive changes are possible, if there is deep faith and dedicated steps are taken to achieve them.
After completing the Seond Forum in the Municipality of Gostivar, the Zen 2.0 Caravan continues with preparations for further implementation in the Municipality of Bitola, after which it will visit the Municipality of Strumica and back to the municipalities in the City of Skopje, putting emphasies to significant commitment and involvement of the representatives of local authorities and organizations dedicated to youth issues.
The call for young people – participants from the Municipality of Bitola will be announced at the beginning of March 2024.
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