Athens, 21 September 2015 – Albanian Child National Help Line – ALO 116 and ALO 116 Board of Children member, Sara Brari participated today at the launching activity of the European Youth Advisory Council of Child Helpline International organized in Athens at the Greek children’s helpline “Smile of Child” and youth network “You Smile”.
Sara Brari, member of ALO 116 Board of Children from its establishment, is the only representative from Albania at E-YAC, together with representatives from Greece, Croatia and the Netherlands. ALO 116, with the support of CRCA Albania and UNICEF since 2009 have worked to empower children and youth near the helpline, to lobby and advocate for children’s rights in Albania.
The first meeting of the E-YAC was held in Athens on the 20th and 21st September 2015. This event aimed at launching E-YAC for Child Helpline International, bringing attention to the importance of children’s help lines and lobby for the advancement of children’s rights in the region. Members of the council at the launching session had the opportunity to participate at a live broadcast at the “You Smile” radio, to discuss about children’s rights, voluntarism and visited the premises and shelters of the Greek children’s helpline “Smile of Child”.
E-YAC in the month of July through an open call received nominations from all European child helplines to become part of the youth structure. ALO 116 candidacy was welcomed with enthusiasm by the evaluation committee. Children’s voices from all over Europe are joined by Albania children’s voice in protecting and promoting help lines role in fighting violence, neglect and exploitation of children.
Youth Advisory Council of CHI was launched in 2014 and currently consists of seven young people committed to contributing to the success and welfare of their generation. E-YAC aims to join the efforts of YAC by bringing the European children’s perspective and voice. Various activities and initiatives that the council will undertake will feed and will shed light on the work and importance of helpline in the region.
Sarah Brari, is 19 years old and studies finance. She become part of ALO 116 Board since 2009 and has participated in a series of activities and initiatives with a focus on children’s rights. Her activism and dedication over the years have become the voice of ALO 116 in many forums, in and outside the country.
For more information please visit ALO 116 website: https://www.alo116.al/; https://www.facebook.com/ALO116?fref=ts