Youth Media Hub - Daily Digest Summary

When UNICEF Zambia put out a call for young people to join the Media Hub Team, we knew we had to jump in. We showed up full of energy, excitement and a real desire to take on something meaningful. Even though all of us had only just met, including our awesome mentor - there was this instant connection. It was like the puzzle pieces just fit. We learned fast, supported each other and hit the ground running.

Over the days of the consultation, we got to work doing what we love:

• Capturing and sharing the standout moments as they happened,
• Hanging out with delegates and key speakers for real, honest conversations,
• Putting together a daily digest packed with quotes, key takeaways and snapshots that told the story of the day,
• Making sure everything we created was fresh, fun and something people actually wanted to engage with - and they did!

23 June 2025 - Pre-Consultation - 11th International Consultation on Child Helplines – IC 2025 | Livingstone, Zambia

🎙️ Reporting live from the heart of the action – The Youth Media Hub is here to spotlight the voices, ideas and actions shaping IC 2025!

Setting the stage for the main event, connecting across borders, and diving deep into workshops that matter – especially around digital safety and literacy. From tech challenges to child-centered solutions, we explored how helplines can better protect children in an increasingly digital world.

Both international and local participants are now in Livingstone – bringing energy, ideas and innovations from their countries and child helpline networks. It’s a powerful mix of experience and vision.

As the Youth Media Hub, we’re here to document, interview and amplify how young people are stepping up to co-create safer online spaces – and how we all can be part of the Agenda 2030

💬 Quote of the Day:

“Every child, everywhere must be within reach,” Florence Chileshe Nkhuwa, CEO, Lifeline/Childline Zambia

Let’s make sure no child is just connected but protected.

📸 Follow along right here each day for highlights, stories and behind-the-scenes moments from the IC 2025!

Day 1 | 24 June 2025 | 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines | Livingstone, Zambia

The IC 2025 officially opened with the global child protection community gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Livingstone, bringing together government leaders, children, youth advocates, health experts and child protection frontline workers.

The opening ceremony set the stage for a week dedicated to advancing children’s rights, digital safety and literacy, tackling mental health challenges and ensuring every child’s voice is heard, valued and supported.

Speaking on behalf of the Republican President of Zambia, H.E. Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the Honourable Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Mrs. Doreen Sefuke Mwamba (MP), said “Zambia is committed to children’s rights and well-being, urging global action that moves beyond listening to children, to truly putting them at the heart of all policy and practice.”

The Minister described child helplines as “beacons of hope” in a world facing a pandemic not only of disease, but of anxiety, depression and trauma. She emphasized that the voices children hear when they reach out are voices of empathy and compassion and are often the first step in a path toward healing and safety.

“We must act with urgency and compassion,” the Minister stated, echoing the cry: “No child is left unheard.” She called on governments and organizations not only to listen, but to show children that we are responding. This means rooting their needs, concerns and voices into the core of our laws, budgets and systems, not as an afterthought but as a guiding principle.

Reaffirming Zambia’s dedication, the Minister committed to strengthening child-focused programmes and enhancing international cooperation. “Zambia is ready to amplify children’s voices with urgency and unity,” she declared, emphasizing that this is not only a moral obligation but a shared opportunity to build a better world and a legacy we can all stand behind.

💬Quote of the Day:

"We cannot speak of development if our children are left behind," Mr. Credo Nanjuwa, (MP), Honourable Provincial Minister of Southern Province.

"Protection of children is a shared responsibility and child protection cannot wait," Ms. Antoinette Ngoma, Chairperson, Joining Forces Alliance Zambia.

As we end this day filled with music, movement and meaningful dialogue, one message rings clear: every child matters, every voice counts and together, we’re building a safer, stronger world where no child is left unheard.

Let’s carry this energy forward. Tomorrow is another chance to listen, learn and lead together.

Day 2 | 25 June 2025 | 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines | Livingstone, Zambia

Day 2 kicked off with an interesting panel discussion featuring ministers from 5 countries, explaining the progress on how cross sector collaboration is strengthening child protection systems and improving outcomes for children.

Mozambique highlighted the priority of ending child marriage. The country is working to enact legal frameworks to ensure stricter penalties for those who violate children's rights - a move aimed at protecting children and preserving their futures. Zambia showcased significant progress through the strengthening of the Children’s Code Act, a legal instrument that brings together different child protection laws under one umbrella. This marks a step forward in ensuring children's rights are safeguarded and enforced. Malawi emphasized the need for more sensitization programmes for communities who don’t have access to such infrastructure, as well as the need to raise awareness in areas where people do not know of policy frameworks in place to protect children.

The highlight of the day included the different breakout sessions we had after tea break.

Ballroom 3 hosted a panel, discussing the importance of child helplines in emergency settings to provide management services and their integration with other response mechanisms, such as Childline Kenya and Childline Zimbabwe.

The day ended with delegates being given the opportunity to visit the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

💬 Quote of the Day:

“Let’s build a world where every child’s voice is not only heard but answered with full respect for their rights and dignity,”

Mr. Omar Abdi, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director.

Let’s come back tomorrow with fresh ideas to end the IC 2025 with impact!

Day 3 | 26 June 2025 | 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines | Livingstone, Zambia

After three unforgettable days of learning, sharing and growing together, the IC 2025 has officially come to an end!

We started the day off with a collection of regional spaces facilitated by Child Helpline International (CHI) representatives, where members were given the opportunity to share their challenges and collaborate on good practices and help shape the future of child helplines. One major aspect that was covered in these spaces was the Livingstone Declaration, a commitment shared by the global helpline community to curb violence against children, prioritize mental health and wellbeing and create safer digital spaces for children.

The Honourable Minister of Community Development and Social Services Mrs. Doreen Sefuke Mwamba, (MP) delivered her closing remarks, in which she recognized various delegates for their impact that made the consultation a true success. This was followed by a short session on child helplines and the evolving landscape of children’s mental health. The panelists looked at what they are doing in their respective countries to ensure the mental health of children and youth is prioritized, as well as creating platforms for young people to engage with each other. The IC 2025 ended in style with an impromptu dance session where delegates boogied to one of Zambia’s legendary musicians PK Chishala!

💬 Quote of the Day:

“Imagine a world where every child, no matter where, feels safe, secure and enjoys the freedom that comes with living in a sustainable environment,” Dr. Mustafa Ali, Director of Arigatou International (Kenya).

Thank you to everyone for their meaningful contributions and input, it is truly appreciated. We wish you safe travels and hope you enjoyed your time in Livingstone. See you at IC 2028 💙💙💙

Looking back, this experience was more than just a project - it was a journey of learning, sharing and growing together. As the #DreamTeam, we discovered the power of our voices, the strength of collaboration, and the impact young people can make when given the space to lead. Through our work, we didn’t just tell stories - we became part of the story, contributing in a real and meaningful way to UNICEF’s mission of empowering adolescents and youth to participate, be heard and drive change.

Thank you,

Favourite Singongo, Mapalo D. Chasaya, Mukelabai Mukelabai Jnr., Timothy Sitanya and Philippa Ayamba.