Tiana Krăsteva: “The Voice of Youth in the Fight for Children's Rights”
In today’s world, where children's issues and child rights often take a back seat, there are few shining examples of young people who not only understand the importance of engagement but also take active steps toward change. One of these inspiring young leaders is Tiana Krаsteva – a volunteer at the Youth Club "То Be Friends" at the PULSE Foundation and the new Bulgarian representative in the Children’s Council of the international network Eurochild.
The Path to Representation in Eurochild
In July 2024, in the historic city of Valletta, Malta, Tiana began her two-year term, during which she will represent the interests of children from Bulgaria and provide consultation to the pan-European network Eurochild, which unites hundreds of countries across Europe. Tiana, along with other young representatives from across Europe, will actively engage in various events, discussions, and decision-making processes on topics that are significant to them, aiming to achieve more effective implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The new Children's Council will focus on key areas such as mental health, education, environmental protection, and children's rights, including in the digital world.
Unity and Commitment, Brussels, Belgium
From November 18 to 20, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium, the first meeting of the Children's Council of Eurochild took place, aimed at preparing them for an event organized and held at the European Parliament in Brussels on November 20, 2024, as part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
During these three days, participants had the opportunity not only to prepare for the conference but also to engage in significant discussions. Tiana and the other young delegates met with Marie-Cécile Rouillon, Coordinator for the Rights of the Child at the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, where they discussed the importance of child and youth participation. They shared their comments and ideas on the need to establish children's rights in EU policies.
One of the most impressive moments of the young leaders' visit to Brussels was the meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. During this meeting, Metsola expressed her readiness to support the Children's Council in their commitments, emphasizing the importance of young people in decision-making processes.
Tiana also had the opportunity to discuss important issues with Hristo Petrov, a Member of the European Parliament from the coalition “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria”. During their individual meeting, they focused on the challenges facing children in Bulgaria, particularly in the field of education. Among the topics discussed were the difficult access for children with special needs to the school environment, the lack of functioning student councils, and the inadequate response of the education system to outstanding students.
Tiana emphasized that students often find themselves at the forefront of punishments from school authorities, rather than receiving support and encouragement for their efforts in sports, music, and civic activities. She and Hristo Petrov discussed the importance of activity and perseverance in the fight for policy change and improving conditions for young people.
Participation in the European Parliament
The most significant event Tiana participated in was the conference held on November 20, 2024, at the European Parliament in Brussels, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. During the conference, Tiana joined other young delegates to deliver a strong message to European leaders about the importance of children's rights. Together, they demonstrated that children are not just the future of Europe – they are also its present. Through sharing experiences and ideas, through activism and perseverance, they can inspire change and encourage collective participation. This conference not only united young people from different European countries but also provided a unique platform to share their perspectives and challenges.
The event in Brussels not only inspired the young participants but also highlighted the importance of their voice in the fight for children's rights in Europe. Tiana's participation is an important step forward in achieving the goals of Eurochild and in reinforcing children's rights within the political processes of the continent.
Hope and Change
Tiana Krasteva not only represents the children of Bulgaria – she is a symbol of hope and commitment. Her story is inspiring and shows how a young person can be a catalyst for change. Her determination and courage to advocate for children's rights give confidence that the future of European youth is in the safe hands. With every interaction and dialogue, she will continue to raise awareness about children's rights and work towards better conditions and opportunities for all young people in Europe.
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Eurochild brings together over 200 organizations across 37 countries and works to protect and promote children's rights. Tiana's role in this context is especially significant, as she will serve as a bridge between the young people in Bulgaria and European institutions. During her mandate, she will have the opportunity not only to speak on behalf of youth but also to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.