Pokret
Darko Lovric

From the lack of extra-curricular activities to youth disengagement, from teacher apathy to what he describes as "pessimistic and destructive attitudes," Darko observed shortcomings in his high school educational experience and decided to do something about it.

In April 2001, Darko Lovric created "Pokret," which means "movement," to organize young people, students, and professionals alike to work as mentors in schools, challenging the way young people look at their education and exposing them to programs they can get involved with, informing them about college choices and presenting them with other opportunities. He first embarked on research and teamed up with a local NGO (Horizont) to develop a curriculum that included communication, economics, inter-personal and other skill-building elements; the curriculum was test-marketed in a local high school that Spring. Impressed with the results achieved by the new program, the Ministry of Education provided seed funding and permission to replicate the model in other schools.

In September of 2001, the project was launched in 3 other schools, 2 in the Capital, Zagreb, and the other in Pula. To date, more than 4,000 volunteer hours have been given to coordinate the program, which has involved 1,000 students actively in 24 presentations; the curriculum he helped develop is now active in 8 high schools in 3 cities. Eight people help to coordinate the project, which has catalyzed more programs for High School students and has become an unquestionable success, recently recognized by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship.

Young Journalists Group - Radio Voices Of Vietnam
Ha Lan Anh
VIETNAM

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, approximately 30 million youth tune in for radio broadcasts created and produced by Vietnam's youth. The programs they hear are on the premier radio station, Voices of Vietnam, are "Children's Aspirations, and "Voices of Youth," made possible with the dedicated work of the Young Journalists Group (YoJo).

The creative mind that was inspired to become the driving force for the organization's work was Lan Anh. Reading hundreds of articles about youth's activities, at age 13 Lan Anh realized there were often inaccurate portrayals of Vietnamese children's experiences. The articles were all written by adults, which prompted her to create the Young Journalists Group. By encouraging and assisting youth to speak out about their experiences, participate in social activities, decision making, and push toward a more substantial education for themselves and their communities, Young Journalists Group has proven its ability to motivate youth to positive action. YoJo, comprised of 300 youth in 7 cities and provinces of Vietnam, reports and educates on issues related to young people: children and youth rights, environment and sustainable development, gender equality, youth participation.

In addition to producing the 2 weekly programs, young journalists conduct local programs, produce a monthly Voices of Youth newsletter sent to various government leaders, organizations, NGOs and publish the book Children's Aspirations. YoJo also plays a key role in organizing live TV and radio forums between youth and decision makers, youth organizers of National Youth Conference, campaigns against discrimination and exploitation of girls, and the National Students forum on the Environment.