UNICEF Jamaica Calls on Young Changemakers to Join the Children & Youth Council

Highlights

KINGSTON, 23 May 2025 – UNICEF Jamaica is inviting passionate, young leaders and advocates, aged 13 to 21, to apply for the UNICEF Children & Youth Council. This opportunity to serve alongside UNICEF will give them a platform to take an active role in addressing the challenges that they face as young Jamaicans by contributing to policy development, speaking up and driving real change in their communities across the island.

Children and youth council members will:

• Amplify Youth Voices – Represent their peers and advocate for child rights on national platforms.
• Lead and Inspire – Develop leadership skills, participate in decision-making, and contribute to policy discussions.
• Create Impactful Change – Work on key issues such as education, climate action, health, child protection, and social justice.

Jamaica’s youth make up nearly one-third of the country’s population, and their voices are essential in shaping policies that affect their futures. Despite significant progress in child protection, education and youth empowerment, critical gaps remain. Issues such as violence, mental health challenges, unemployment, and the digital divide continue to affect young people, particularly those from marginalized communities.

This initiative provides young people with a structured platform to influence policy, participate in national discussions and contribute to significant and impactful change. By engaging directly with UNICEF and other stakeholders, council members will help shape initiatives that address the pressing issues facing Jamaican children and youth today.

The 15-member Council will serve a two-year term, working closely with UNICEF specialists to support initiatives such as U-Report and other youth-led advocacy efforts. Applications are now open, and interested candidates must meet the eligibility criteria, including demonstrating leadership potential, a commitment to child rights, and a passion for community engagement.

How to Apply

Interested young advocates can apply by completing the online application form available on UNICEF Jamaica’s website. Applications must include a completed form, proof of identification and for those under 18, parental or guardian consent. The deadline is June 7, 2025.

For detailed guidelines on eligibility and responsibilities, applicants are encouraged to review the attached Terms of Reference (TOR). 
 

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About UNICEF Jamaica

We support government and non-governmental partners to promote and fulfil the rights of children, especially the most disadvantaged. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For information about UNICEF and its work, visit www.unicef.org/jamaica.

For more information, please contact:           

• Donna-Marie Rowe, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Jamaica

Email: [email protected]

• Trevesa Dasilva, Communication Officer, UNICEF Jamaica

Email: [email protected]