UNICEF Young Еnvoys
The idea to set up a network of young UNICEF envoys belongs to children who participated in the “Boomerang” festival representing children’s film and TV studios and mass media, which was held in the children’s centre “Orlyonok” in September 2008. Through their work (films, cartoons, articles) Forum participants wanted to express their ideas of peace and tolerance towards different ethnic groups and cultures to their peers and adults. Since that time the members of the initiative group have been actively involving their friends and peers in these activities. The children devise and implement small social projects, trying to draw the attention of young people and adults to pressing problems that need to be urgently addressed. Young UNICEF envoys want their peers to know more about the rights of children and young people, about how to protect their rights and whom to approach in case of their violation. Furthermore, the children have devised the Code of young UNICEF envoys. Here are some examples of projects devised and implemented by children during this time. Every week, Olga Kirina from the city of Kemerovo and ten of her friends arrange five-minute briefings on “All about your health” at the city’s schools telling schoolchildren about the heed to practice healthy life styles. The team also intends to meet with children from local children’s homes and carry out a charity action to collect warm clothing for orphaned children. Svetlana Nikitina and Kseniya Yefimova from the town of Kanash, the Republic of Chuvashiya, have set up a team of 23 schoolchildren from various city schools. The children arranged a series of meetings at which experts told young people about the problems of peace and tolerance, drug addiction, etc. Their plans include visits to orphanages and boarding schools and activities to collect soft toys, books and notebooks for orphans. And what do the children say about the implications of being a young UNICEF envoy? “I decided to join other UNICEF envoys when I realized that I care about everything that goes on around me! I care about the world around me with all it problems, because they are my problems…”. Svetlana Nikitina, Republic of Chivashiya. “I want to help UNICEF, because I care about children who are in need of assistance. I believe that any child can become a young UNICEF envoy, because children are the most important thing in the world”, Kseniya Korobushina, the city of Saratov. “Dear friends, let’s fight for justice, truth and healthy lifestyle! Let’s unite our efforts against violence! Every child in my great country should have a happy and secure childhood and future”, Zarina Mamiyeva, Vladikavkaz. Additional information on UNICEF young envoys can be found here.
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