UNICEF supports ‘Goodie in a Hoodie’ day

UNICEF supports ‘Goodie in a Hoodie’ day

Wellington, 10 August, 2009. – The UN Children’s Fund is backing New Zealand’s ‘Goodie in a Hoodie’ day as part of celebrations for UN International Youth Day (12 August).

UNICEF staff will be among thousands of Kiwis around the country wearing a hoodie on 12 August to support the right of young people to have their opinions heard and taken notice of. Also supporting the day are Age Concern and NZ Adolescent Health and Development.

“There are too many negative stereotypes of youth in New Zealand today, so International Youth Day is an ideal time for us to give a thought to young people’s positive achievements and demonstrate support for their contribution to our society,” says UNICEF Executive Director Dennis McKinlay.

“Young people offer their talents and goodwill in many and varied ways including helping their families and communities.

“They inspire us with their achievements and stand up for young people to have their say about the world that they want to inherit.

“Young people challenge us with their vision of optimism and vibrancy – the way the world should be and can be if we work together for positive change”.

“Hoodies are associated with youth culture and Goodie in a Hoodie day is an expression of how many youth see themselves and want others to see them” says Mr McKinlay.

UNICEF is an international organisation focussed on the rights of children and young people up to the age of 18.

Mr McKinlay will be among those wearing a hoodie on 12 August and appears in a short video about Goodie in a Hoodie day at http://www.unicef.org.nz/page/43/Video.html

ENDS

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