Developing empathy for a better world

Jana Oltovska, a fifteen year old girl from Skopje is a scout already for 7 years. She noticed that people only care about what the majority needs or wants and we put aside what the minority is asking for. That’s why she will make a project for helping autistic people to join the world of scouting.

Jana was selected for the project “European Youth at the frontlines of active citizenship: A Roadmap towards a collective South-North-East-West Momentum” organized by Volunteers Centre Skopje and supported by European Commission due to Erasmus + European Youth Together programme.

What kind of feelings do you get when you think about successfully finalizing the project?
– I have many feelings surrounding that thought but mostly ecstatic because it is a project that I am very passionate about. I would also say that I am feeling very grateful, hopeful and most of all determined.

What represents successfully finishing the project?
– For me successfully finishing the project represents achieving the goal I have set for myself, and implementing the finished project.

Can the project be implemented outside of your country?
– Yes. The manual is mostly consisted of pictures so it can be easily translated into many languages.

What are the benefits of the manual for scout activities intended for autistic people for you as a scout, other team members, your scout leader and for the members with autism?
– I think that there are a lot of benefits such as developing empathy in me and other members, the scout leader will be more mature and improve in many ways, the autistic member will learn important life skills and socialize more and the whole team will grow mentally.

Jana Oltovska