Children take over Ministries, radio-stations and UNICEF on World Children’s Day
We children of South Sudan call on everyone to act now for a clean and green environment
As part of the celebrations for World Children’s Day children in South Sudan took over the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Environment as well as UNICEF offices throughout the country. During these takeovers children discussed with decisions makers the challenges related to climate change and their action plan to slow down the climate change. As these takeovers might seem symbolic, they are important reminders of who we are handing the world over to. Actions today will have impact tomorrow. Children also took over radio stations, as well as the social media accounts of UNICEF South Sudan.
Inspired by the child take-over of her Ministry, the Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare said:
“Today I have the pleasure to lead the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare side by side with Moses, a 13-year-old child reporter with UNICEF. It is a refreshing experience to work with young people as Moses. Moses taught me new insights and ideas about many things, including climate change and how it impacts on the lives of children like him.”
Moses Lemi, 13, is reading the Child Right Laws in the Constitution as he takes over as Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare on World Children’s Day.
Daniel Akuei Gerang takes over the day as Minister of the Environment and addresses the City Council and Representatives from the Embassy of Japan. Daniel informed them on how the climate crisis is a child rights crisis; responding to the crisis needs to happen ‘for children and with children’ in the spirit of World Children’s Day.
Wendy Ahonda, 16, directs staff as she takes over as acting UNICEF Representative for Andrea Suley on World Children’s Day.
“South Sudan is ranked among the countries most heavily impacted by the consequences of climate change and least prepared for it. However, we know what creates climate change and how to avoid it.”
UNICEF South Sudan’s social media was taken over by Daniel Sabri (left) and Yar Macha (right) for a week leading up to World Children’s Day. They informed the public about climate change, climate action and reported on World Children’s Day events in South Sudan. The fans on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter showed great support through engagements and likes.
UNICEF Child reporters took over Radio Talk Shows, like Top FM, to discuss the urgent action needed for a clean environment, including issues of waste management in the city which is detrimental for future generations. Pictured here is Daniel Sabri,15, UNICEF staff Richard Ruati (centre) and Wendy Ahonda, 16.
For World Children’s Day children prepared a powerful call for action to slow down climate change, including a call for environmental education to be included in the school curricula, a shift from generators to solar power, a halt in tree cutting and more tree planting and for garbage collection to be systematized.
