Children to ‘take over’ the media on Nov 20
Kids will get to voice their opinions on World Children’s Day
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
PETALING JAYA: Adults, hear us! Kids want to be heard as well.
On World Children’s Day which falls on Nov 20, about 20 children – including those with disabilities – will “take over” the Malaysian media to make their voices heard.
Over 10 major local media partners – print and online channels, TV and radio – will participate in the global movement, centred on this year’s theme, #ForEveryChild.
On that day, children will speak up about what matters most to them. They will be appearing in TV and radio public service announcements, writing columns or acting as social media managers.
It was children who presented this media “takeover” campaign at the Unicef’s World Children’s Day press event yesterday.
Fourteen children, aged between five and 17, hosted the event.
The children took to the stage and spoke up about their rights to a happy and safe childhood, free from violence and discrimination.
“It’d been so much fun. We had the opportunity to share our thoughts with others, especially adults and leaders, about our concerns on education and children’s rights,” said master of ceremony Heidi Ilyana Azmyudin Raj, 12.
The children also highlighted results of Unicef ’s month-long Children4Change Opinion poll, conducted both online and offline.
The survey revealed three in four children want leaders to provide quality education for every child, including disabled, migrant and refugee children. Over 1,000 children – below 17 years old – participated in the survey, held last month.
“When given the opportunity, children in Malaysia showed us that they are clear about the society they want to see and build in the future – quality education, no violence, solidarity, and kindness,” said Unicef ’s Representative to Malaysia, Marianne ClarkHattingh.
“Throughout the day on Nov 20, whenever you tune in to your radio or TV, go online, or read a newspaper, you will see or hear a child to send this message of hope.”
The children will be on air on Star Media Radio Group’s 988 and Suria FM at 8am and 9am respectively on Nov 20.