New Leadership School Open in Preševo

8. 11. 2011. “We have to understand that Serbia needs help, that it is necessary for each one of us to use our strength and knowledge in order to prevent this country from taking the wrong way. Without a society in which a system of respect for human rights exists there will be no political or financial progress, no matter how naive one may think this sounds. A leader needs to have a clear vision, sincerity, and ability to support with arguments the stances he/she is advocating for. Unfortunately, those who are following their selfish interests advance much easier in Serbia”, said a human rights expert, Marko Karadžić, at the opening ceremony of the “New Leadership School” in Preševo, November 8th, 2011.

The School organized by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights (Initiative) targets high school students and graduates from the municipalities of Preševo and Bujanovac. Thirty first year students will have an opportunity to gain knowledge from the area of human and minority rights, basic theories of the state and democracy, European integration, and they will learn about the impact of the recent past on the political picture of the Balkans.

“The problems with which we are dealing in Preševo and Bujanovac are huge, but for young people, they can represent a possibility and a challenge to change things. These trainings are an excellent opportunity and it is up to you to show courage and deal with the problems, to get involved in the social and political life”, Riza Halimi, a member of the Republic of Serbia Parliament, stated.

The Mayor of the municipality of Bujanovac, Shaip Kamberi, underlined that this school may provide basic knowledge to young people, which they may be able, as an active part of the society, to have an impact on the improvement of life in their own environment.

“As a person, who is just a little older than you are, I know that you are developing in times that are difficult and not fond of young people. Young people are in no way encouraged to take active part in the social and political life. I believe that you will make some huge things in your future activities, for your environment, as well as for the country you live in”, Maja Mićić, Director of the Initiative, stated.

“If you join a political party, you do not accept to become an extra, to raise your hand and nod your head for the president of the party, thinking that this will get you a job. Be courageous, but not without a reason, you should always have arguments and proposals ready. These gatherings offer, besides new information, an opportunity to meet many people. Use this opportunity, since many do not have it”, Karadžić underlined.

Young people will also be able to learn the basics of public advocacy, analytical and academic writing, the basics of practical policy, as part of the New Leadership School. The Initiative will provide financial assistance for the graduates of the School so that they can implement their ideas, with which they will contribute to the improvement of the position of young people in their cities.

The “New Leadership School” project is sponsored by the Embassy of Great Britain in Serbia.