RTK - FYR Macedonia Field

FYR Macedonia is one of the 14 pilot countries in the Global Right to Know Initiative, which aims to empower young people and actively involve them in communication strategies that affect them and protect them against HIV/AIDS. As part of the Participatory Action Research (PAR) phase of the Initiative, young people conduct research on the knowledge and behaviour of their peers, and the population in general.

The RTK began in Macedonia in November 2001 with the development of a survey that was carried out by young people all over the country. The findings from the survey indicated that young people in the country lack basic information about the risks associated with HIV/AIDS. Following this exercise, a workshop was organised that enabled young people to talk about the need for more information on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of their peers. They decided to develop a process of using creative methods for data collection that involved photography, video, theatre, art, music and new information technology (web site development). These new methods have been identified by the young people as effective not only for research but also for practical long-term training. If the RTK is to be sustainable in the future, it must provide young people with solid knowledge and skills for conducting PAR and developing communication strategies while using creative action as a means of youth mobilisation.

Since June of this year, five workshops on theatre, art, music, photography and web site development have been held on a weekly basis. Trainers who have received education on HIV prevention facilitate the workshops, along with members of the Institute of Ethnology (who carry out PAR with the young people and observe and transcribe the process).

A team of young people have been working on the script of a television programme since October of this year. The programme, called “Right to Know”, will be broadcast on National Macedonian Television starting in December. This programme aims to provide information related to HIV/AIDS to as many people as possible in an entertaining way.

The RTK process is creating new perspectives and possibilities for affirmation of youth culture and politics. Young people are actively participating in the decision-making process and establishing coordinated approaches for communication about HIV prevention. This initiative exists to address the needs of the young people, to initiate youth participation in the development of civil society and to influence the cultural and educative processes that relate to young people.

RTK will develop a youth communication strategy that is appropriate for the needs of young people in their different life contexts. Young people will continuously contribute to this strategy, allowing for adaptation over time to the needs of young people themselves, including the “hard-to-reach” groups.

Source:
UNICEF Right to Know Initiative, November 2002.