Education

The Helsinki Committee for Human Rights has abundant tradition of non-formal education of young people, particularly by organising the “Human Rights School”. The School was held for 37 times so far and it is intended for high school students and/or university students from North Macedonia, who have expressed interest in the area of operation of the Helsinki Committee of Human Rights.

The Human Rights Schools seek to expand the perspectives of the young people and develop their awareness of the various minority groups in the society, as well as of the stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. During the lectures, exercises and discussions, the participants are encouraged to develop critical thinking and take active part by thinking of concrete solutions and shaping attitudes relating to the topics discussed.

By attending the Schools, the participants acquire the opportunity to work on real-life cases that in which violation of human rights have occurred. These examples are received from the everyday work of the Helsinki Committee within its projects, including discrimination on various grounds, hate speech and hate crimes, stereotypes and prejudices, violation of LGBTI community rights, youth activism, and alike. Through these practical exercises, the participants are encouraged to give active thoughts and identify violations of human rights on daily basis. Through this specific model, as presented in the past, the young people create strong links and learn of tolerance, acceptance and mutual understanding.

Through the Human Rights Schools, the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights has been maintaining long-term links with young people, who are interested in the areas of operation of the Committee and obtain the opportunity to continue their learning by joining the Helsinki Committee’s Youth Group. The Youth Group is a non-formal group of young people, between 16 and 26 years of age, who have the opportunity to join some of the ongoing activities of the Helsinki Committee of Human Rights. The Youth Group counts 50 members, and all interested young people may obtain more information on: mladinskagrupa@mhc.org.mk.