Terre des hommes Romania announces that the eighth edition of the event Takeover Day will be held in Romania between 18-22 November, striving to promote children’s right to choose their future and to express their opinion.
Almost 500 teachers-coordinators confirmed their participation and that they will guide thousands of children aged between 12 and 18 to take over their dream job for one day. In other words, local coordinators found specialists (mentors) that are willing to welcome one child and answer any questions they might have related to their profession. The object of the campaign is to recognize youth’s right to participation and to create an environment in which children can explore their vocation and express their opinions. Mentors are encouraged to involve the children in their daily activities, ask for their opinions and encourage them to participate in the decision-making process. During the last years, children have had access to various jobs such as ambassadors, air traffic controllers, lawyers, judges, ministers of state, journalists, mayors etc.
At the same time, renowned professionals from Bucharest will “hand over” their jobs to several children selected through a competition. Access to mentors from the artistic environment or those who hold key-positions in the society (ambassadors, directors, deputies) is highly important, as youth should also have the chance to enter exclusive environments. Furthermore, mentors also benefit from the experience, by finding out more about the children’s opinions and perspectives.
Mr. Nigel Bellingham, director of the British Council (Bucharest) will “hand over” his position to one child for a day, on the 19th of November. He/she will accompany the director in his activity for several hours and therefore, will have a better understanding of his role. Ms. Simona Spinaru, director of the Romanian Diplomatic Institute (Bucharest) will welcome a future diplomat, on the 20th of November “I am looking forward to sharing the experience of the last 18 years in this beautiful position”. Another exceptional mentor from the diplomatic environment is Ana Maria Curbet, who is a Political, Economic & Communication Officer at the Embassy of the Switzerland in Romania (Bucharest). She will welcome a child on the 22nd of November who will also have the chance to meet His Excellency Mr. Ambassador Arthur Mattli.
Creative professions are also represented at a high level in the eighth edition of the Takeover Day: Razvan Popovici (violinist and director of the SoNoRo International Festival), Corina Leca (owner of Take 1 events and hat designer) and Vlad Eftenie, lecturer in Architecture and passionate photographer, have accepted to “hand over” their job in order to encourage children to make their own decisions.
Last but not least, Terre des hommes Romania, the organiser of the campaign, will open its doors to children who are willing to find out more about working in the leading Swiss organisation for children’s aid. Takeover Day is implemented by Tdh Romania, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education and FONPC (Federation of NGOs Working for Children) and it would not be possible without the help and dedication of teachers and mentors.
More details and news about the Takeover Day in Romania can be found on the Facebook page of the event. The campaign will take place between 18-22 November (those involved will decide on a day) and its significance is even greater as this month the entire world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the UN General Assembly on the 20th of November 1989.