Semina – Young Activist Bringing Youth Rights and Climate Action to the European Stage

By Eda Hoxha, Save the Children in Albania

“Youth can bring the change!” says Semina, a 17-year-old from Shkodra, who is raising the voice of young people on national and European platforms. As an active member of Child/Youth Group, supported by Power4AY project, Semina has become a powerful advocate for youth rights, meaningful participation, and climate action.

She believes that respecting and upholding the rights of children and young people is the foundation for building a fairer, greener, and more sustainable society. For Semina, the right to be heard, to take part in decision-making, and to influence the issues that shape their lives is not a privilege — it is a fundamental right.

Growing Up With a Sense of Responsibility

Semina lives in one of Shkodra’s oldest neighborhoods, part of one of the area’s long-standing families. Her family of four — her parents, Semina, and her younger brother — is simple, supportive, and deeply rooted in values of respect and inclusion. Her mother works as a cleaner and her father as an economist. Although their economic situation is modest, her parents have always prioritized creating a healthy and nurturing environment for their children.

Watching Semina’s growing dedication and activism, her younger brother has also joined the project, inspired by her example. Semina proudly shares that within her family she has taken on the responsibility of being a role model, making sure that her brother grows up in an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and where girls are respected and valued.

From Shy Beginnings to Confident Leadership

Semina joined Power4AY nearly two years ago. At first, she was shy, hesitant to express her thoughts, and unsure of her abilities. But step by step — through child/youth-led activities, leadership workshops, green skills programs, child participation sessions, and local initiatives — she improved her knowledge, skills and found her voice.

Today, she feels more confident than ever. She knows the value of her voice and stands firm in her belief that young people must speak up — especially when adults don’t listen.

The project helped her:

• Communicate more freely
• Articulate her ideas clearly
• Build courage to defend children’s rights
• Work collaboratively with other young leaders
• Participate in local opportunities such as IT courses and leadership sessions

“The activities helped me challenge myself in ways I had never imagined, and they introduced me to people from different places, inside and outside Albania,” Semina says. She feels supported, included, and motivated to continue growing.

Championing Climate Education and Action

For Semina, schools are critical spaces for shaping climate awareness. She believes climate change is not discussed enough in classrooms, even as its consequences become more visible every day. “Climate education must begin in school — that’s where awareness grows and action starts. When children and young people learn about the environment, they can become the voice of a greener, more sustainable future’- she explains.

Representing Albania on the European Stage

This year, Semina took her activism beyond national borders. Supported by the project, she represented Albania in Brussels during the European “Rising Voices” Week and at the ‘First European Fair for Child Participation’. There, she joined children, youth activists, professionals, and decision-makers from across Europe to exchange ideas and shape regional dialogue.

Alongside European peers, she engaged in:

• Awareness-raising activities
• Campaign planning
• Meetings with Members of the European Parliament

In discussions at the European Parliament, Semina emphasized the urgent need for climate adaptation measures to protect children and communities from the growing impacts of the climate crisis. Her message was clear and powerful.

In a symbolic gesture, she helped distribute a leaflet created by children and young people, carrying a message to European policymakers: “Climate change is taking away our future. You have the power to save it.”

Meaningful Participation: More Than a Signature

Semina advocates strongly for children’s meaningful participation.

“It is not just signing your name on a list. It means having a real role — being active, contributing, and raising your voice together with others,” she explains.

What Makes a True Ally?

When asked what makes a good ally for children and young people, Semina describes someone who is:

• Supportive and always ready to help
• An active listener
• Knowledgeable about children’s rights
• Interested and committed to the cause
• Strong and reliable

These are the qualities she believes adults and professionals should embody when working with young people.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Impact

Semina dreams of continuing her path in advocacy and working in a field where she can positively influence others — especially those who cannot defend their rights alone. Her commitment, courage, and leadership are an example to how young people, when empowered, can shape a greener, safer, and fairer future.

Her story reflects the essence of the Power4AY project: supporting adolescents and youth to raise their voices, giving them the opportunity to participate meaningfully, and drive change in their communities and beyond.