Dreams in Motion: The Spirit of a 14-Year-Old Girl in Samoan Touch Rugby
Samoa
Meet Jessemina Fong, a strong and determined 14-year-old touch rugby athlete.
"My mum is my inspiration behind competing in this year's Pacific Games," shares Jessemina. "She represented Samoa in the 2019 Pacific Games and also participated in the World Cup held in Malaysia for touch rugby. This year, she decided to hang up her boots and coach the Samoan touch rugby team. I'm really glad to be a part of that team because ever since I was young, I wanted to follow in her footsteps and be just like her."
Jessemina encourages others, saying, "Do not be discriminated by your age because age is not a barrier; it is more a limitation you put on yourself and on your mind. I say go and chase your dream and do not be afraid to do anything because, in the end, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
She adds, "I want to see more young ones out there chasing their dreams and representing Samoa to prove to other young kids that age is just a number and that we can do anything."
Believing that every child has the right to grow up in a sustainable environment, UNICEF emphasizes the children's right to play and grow up in a safe, sustainable setting where their hopes and dreams can come true.
In working towards this objective, UNICEF collaborates with partners to raise awareness of General Comment No. 26 (2023), emphasizing children's rights and the environment. This statement highlights the considerable impact of climate change on children and stresses the importance to protect their rights, especially in the face of environmental challenges.
