Forty professionals working with children and young people across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece and Ukraine took part in a series of Training of Trainers sessions organised within the Voices Unheard project. Bringing together professionals from civil society, education and community-based work, the trainings shared a common goal: strengthening the knowledge and practical skills needed to ensure safe, inclusive and meaningful participation of Roma children and young people.
Across all four countries, participants explored how safeguarding, inclusion and child participation can be translated into everyday practice. The programmes combined practical exercises, peer learning and exchange of professional experience, addressing issues such as discrimination and barriers to participation, building trust, safe facilitation, professional responsibilities and creating environments in which children can express their views and take part in decisions that affect them.
Serbia
In Serbia, particular attention was given to understanding the circumstances of children in street situations and adapting professional responses to their needs. Participants examined socio-economic vulnerability, stereotypes and discrimination, child labour from a child-rights perspective, as well as institutional procedures and protocols for working directly with children.
“During this training I learned how to better understand the situation and the position of the children who I work with, and to adapt my approach to their needs”, said Jelena Radovanović, training participant and volunteer at the Center for Youth Integration.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the training placed a strong emphasis on turning safeguarding principles into practical approaches that professionals can use in their everyday work. Over three days and 19 hours of training, participants from different sectors exchanged experiences, discussed challenges they encounter when working with children and young people, and used adapted methods and micro-teaching to explore ways of creating safer and more supportive environments for every child.
“The training provided us with practical knowledge and approaches that we can apply directly in our work with children and young people. The exchange of experiences and practices among professionals from different backgrounds was particularly valuable,” said Mirjana Balaban, training participant.
Greece
In Greece, the programme explored the conditions that make participation both safe and meaningful. Participants worked on inclusive and trauma-informed facilitation, recognising and addressing discrimination, building trust with children, families and communities, responding to sensitive disclosures, and moving beyond basic involvement towards genuine child-led participation. Practical sessions also explored how participatory activities and children’s councils can give children a stronger role in decisions that concern them.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, the training in Uzhhorod brought together representatives of civil society organisations, education and community-based work. The programme looked at the role professionals can play in creating spaces where children and young people can safely express their opinions, develop their potential and participate in decision-making, while also addressing safeguarding, professional boundaries and the different backgrounds and experiences children may bring with them.
“This is an investment in the knowledge of people who will go on to work directly with children, so that every child can feel that they are safe and that they are respected”, concluded Zinaida Prokopenko, project manager at the organization Voice of Romni.
While the trainings responded to different national and professional contexts, they were connected by the same principle: meaningful participation depends on adults who are equipped to listen, safeguard, facilitate and create space for children to influence the decisions that affect them.
Together, the four trainings are helping to build a wider network of knowledge and practice across the participating countries. By taking new skills, tools and approaches back to their organisations and communities participants can extend the impact far beyond the training room, contributing to environments in which Roma children and young people can reach their full potential.
About
Voices Unheard – Roma Children Leading the Way: Active Participation for a Brighter Future is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by OlamAid, together with Center for Youth Integration, KEAN, Nova Generacija and Voice of Romni, aimed to empower Roma children, particularly girls, by strengthening their participation in democratic processes and civic life.