Every year on 20 November, we mark World Children’s Day to reaffirm a fundamental message: the rights of children and adolescents are human rights – universal and non-negotiable. Guaranteeing and protecting these rights is essential, and so is listening to young people. “My Day, My Rights” is the spirit of the day: giving a voice to those who are too often not heard.
How can we uphold children and young people’s rights if we do not start by recognising their capacity to express themselves, participate, and drive change?
A concrete example of young people speaking up comes from the European project BOTTOM-UP TALKS, which promotes Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and the direct involvement of young people through Youth Advisory Boards (YABs).
From 23-25 October 2025, the International YAB Camp took place in Druskininkai, Lithuania, bringing together four YAB members from each of the five partner countries in the project, aged between 14 and 18. They engaged in three intense days of training, discussion, and intercultural exchange to talk about education, rights, respect, and active participation.
Beyond moments of dialogue and mutual learning, they worked together with experts on topics such as:
- peer power,
- non-formal activities,
- active listening,
- Comprehensive Sexuality Education, its values and principles.
During the Camp, young people co-created a Code of Conduct and reflected on how to bring CSE into schools and educational contexts, becoming agents of change.
The International YAB Camp participants said about the experience:
“For me, the Camp meant unity.”
“It was a really stimulating activity, which made me realise how important peer tutoring and learning together are.”
“A unique and very mind-opening experience, unlike any other I’ve ever had.”
“It was intense – sometimes tiring because of how much we learned – but really nice to get to know new cultures and people.”
“I met some amazing people and learned so much. I felt part of a group that helped me grow and gave me confidence.”
“The YAB camp was inspiring and unforgettable for me: I learned a lot, had fun, and felt welcome.”
“I really enjoyed working with the experts: in those moments, I felt more connected to the whole group.”
“I will always remember the moments shared with the other YABs: talking, walking together, learning about different cultures, dancing, and laughing.”
“It was wonderful to make new connections, learn from others, and improve my English.”
“For me, the camp was a unifying experience: new friendships, new ideas, and a real sense of community.”
These words testify to the value of an experience that focuses on the participation and awareness of young people’s experiences as active citizens capable of influencing society.
The International YAB Camp was not only a training opportunity, but also an invitation to continue building spaces for listening, participation, and youth empowerment, where every voice counts.
Because guaranteeing children’s rights also means trusting the younger generations, allowing them to grow, decide, and act.
About BOTTOM-UP TALKS
BOTTOM-UP TALKS – Preventing teen-dating and school-related gender-based violence and promoting psychological well-being from the bottom-up is funded by CERV-2024-DAPHNE programme.
Partners
- CESIE ETS (Italy, Coordinator)
- C.O.I.R.A.G. ETS – Confederazione di Organizzazioni Italiane per la Ricerca Analitica sui Gruppi (Italy)
- KMOP – Kentro Merimnas Oikogeneias Kai Paidiou (Greece)
- CSI – Center for Social Innovation (Cyprus)
- House of Diversity Education (Lithuania)
- FEA – Femmes Entraide et Autonomie (France)
For further information
Read more on the project fact sheet, visit www.thegendertalk.eu, follow as on Facebook and Instagram. Contact Ruta Grigaliunaite: ruta.grigaliunaite@cesie.org.
