Barbados’ first Child Rights Ambassadors step into their power

BRIDGETOWN, 18 April 2025 - A select group of children across Barbados are embarking on a transformative journey to discover their voice, champion their rights, and unlock their full potential as the island's inaugural cohort of Child Rights Ambassadors.

Representing a wide range of schools, communities, and personal experiences, these 19 young advocates were participants in the country’s first National Child Right’s symposium last November. The selection process for the ambassador programme, however involved written expressions of interest, recommendations from teachers and interviews designed to identify passion for advocacy and leadership.

The Child Rights Ambassador Programme, spearheaded by UNICEF Eastern Caribbean in partnership with the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs through its National Monitoring Committee on Child Rights, is a landmark initiative aimed at empowering children under 18 to take an active role in promoting and protecting the rights of their peers. Through training, mentorship and real-world engagement, the programme nurtures leadership and agency, placing young people at the heart of change.

“As ambassadors, participants will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to raise awareness, influence change and speak up on behalf of those who may not have the opportunity to do so,” said Firhaana Bulbulia, UNICEF Youth Engagement Officer.

A few days ago, the first cohort convened at United Nations House in Bridgetown for the opening training session, which featured interactive, team-building exercises designed to foster connections and deepen understanding of child rights. Anya Walcott, an 18-year-old Harrison College student, was impressed by the range of ambassadors, “One thing that really stood out to me was...all of the stories that have kind of led us to choose to be ambassadors,” said Anya.  “It really just shows that young people still have care and compassion for their fellow young people.”

Each ambassador will also identify a pressing child rights issue in their school or community, for which they will develop and implement a dedicated advocacy project.

To guide and support these projects, every child has been paired with a mentor - an inspiring young adult who has made a mark in their field and is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

Anya is being mentored by Dr David Johnson, President of youth-led mental health organisation Let’s Unpack It, which supports young people across the Eastern Caribbean. She is passionate about creating a sustainable model for mental health in schools.

“I think she is going to do an incredible job in terms of reaching Barbadian youth, helping them to have a safe space to talk about what they are going through and to find solutions that are personalised and meaningful,” said Dr Johnson.

Another ambassador, 17-year-old Arjun Sifflet, a student of the Learning Centre and a passionate media enthusiast, is writing a book on his experience with autism. His mentor, Christopher Gilkes, a respected Paralympian and advocate for persons with disabilities in the Caribbean, has been offering guidance informed by personal experience.

“I know what it’s like to go through some of the things he’s going through, so I’m happy to now be part of his support system,” said Gilkes.

During an earlier special orientation session for the ambassadors and their families, the UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, AbdulKadir Musse noted.

“The Child Rights Ambassador Programme embodies UNICEF’s belief that every child has the right to be heard, and when children are empowered to speak, society must be ready to listen.”