"Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust" camps, aimed at inspiring and educating young people about pressing social issues, have concluded with marked success. The camp held in Pristina was designed with an aim to empower and educate the youth on fighting misogyny, hate speech, and harassment, have been a beacon of hope for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.



The camps brought together over 33 young individuals identified as having previously exhibited bullying behaviors. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in intensive discussions, workshops, and activities that tackled the profound effects of these societal issues. The camp's agenda was crafted to provide participants with the tools and understanding to be upstanders rather than bystanders, actively disrupting the cycles of social embarrassment and working towards positive societal transformation.

"The camp experience was eye-opening. I've learned so much about the impact of my actions and how to effectively communicate and advocate for change," shared Fatlinda, one of the participants, reflecting on the progress made.

The participants of the camp included students, young activists, and community members who shared a commitment to ending violence and promoting equality across various social services. Their passionate engagement underscored the fundamental need for such programs within our society.

The interactive activities of the camp revolved around hands-on training, which included methods of effective communication and workshops on exerting positive influence. These sessions were instrumental in widening participants' knowledge and equipping them with essential skills to break the cycle of violence and champion constructive action within our communities.

As the camps wrapped up, the notable conclusions and results were a testament to their effectiveness. The young participants left with a renewed interest and readiness to be proponents of positive societal change.



"It's empowering to see how we, as young people, can come together to make a real difference," remarked Arber, another participant, who felt inspired by the camp's collaborative atmosphere.

Support and organization for the "Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust" camps were provided through the UN Secretary-General's Peace Building Fund, with cooperative efforts from UNDP Kosovo* and UNFPA Kosovo. Additionally, partnership with SIT was critical in highlighting the significant impact that society can bestow upon young people and their sustainable role in these ventures.



The successful completion of the Youth 4 camps represents a significant milestone for the Inclusion, Equality, and Trust initiative. It serves as proof that when youth are given the platform and tools to understand and tackle societal issues, they become eager and effective agents of change. "This camp has not only educated us but also united us for a common cause," concluded Driton, expressing the collective sentiment of the participants.



*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.