Slovenia's Children's Parliament raises children's concerns around education and their future
On April 21, Eurochild member Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth organised the 31st National Children's Parliament. The key topic of the online session was “My professional future”.
Three young members, who form the presidency of the Children's Parliament, lead the event from the National Assembly. The event was attended by 115 young delegates, 20 student-journalists, and mentors and other guests, totaling more than 200 participants. Young participants were greeted by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia Igor Zorčič and the President of the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth Darja Groznik.
"Deciding on a profession that you will do later in life is not an easy one."
Young parliamentarians have been discussing the challenges of choosing a profession since the beginning of the school year in primary schools, as well as in municipal and regional Children's Parliaments. Representatives from the regional parliaments presented the interests, concerns of their peers as well as constructive suggestions, some of which are highlighted below.
- In primary schools more practice and information on different professions is needed.
- They recommend linking school subjects with presenting professions.
- Some professions in the future will be replaced by robots, other professions will no longer exist.
- Professions that require human contact will always be in demand and technology will never be able to replace them. New professions in the future will require new knowledge, skills, and multitasking competences.
- There is no single path to a profession, but several paths: formal and informal education, work habits, desires, personal values, etc.
- It is necessary to learn to work in different communities and under various circumstances. We need to believe in ourselves, build self-esteem and know how to decide for ourselves. We need parental support and free choice of profession.
- In these times we must not forget about the balance between digital and real life. We miss the real life.
Finally, they pointed out that Slovenia needs a “minister for happiness”. The issues raised by the Children’s Parliament give a unique insight into the lives of children in an especially tough period as they continue to face the impact of the pandemic in their day to day lives.
The Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth are excited to have run such an extensive online event with children, but hope that the next opportunity will be to meet live, in person.
Learn more about Eurochild’s child participation work here
