UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)
Media Release
26 May 2011

Final Call for Young New Zealanders to ‘Be the Change’

With Youth Week taking place this week (21-29 May) UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund) is making a final call to young New Zealanders who would like the unique opportunity to attend its first ever Youth Congress in Auckland from July 15-17.

The charity has received huge amounts of interest and, with only 50 spots available, potential participants are being urged to get their applications in by June 1.

UNICEF NZ is encouraging applications from young people aged 16 and 17 who have a strong interest in world issues, like poverty and climate change, and are passionate about the rights of children globally.

The programme for the congress is already shaping up with UNICEF’s first Regional Ambassador for the Pacific Island countries, Merewalesi Nailatikau confirmed as a key speaker.

The Congress will be an exciting opportunity for participants to learn more about the world, share ideas about how to make a difference and gain the skills needed to take action. The event will also have a specific focus on development issues in the Pacific to coincide with the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Auckland in September.

Budding young journalists will be particularly excited by this opportunity because, as well as including training on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the programme will include a practical focus on media skills and how to use communications for advocacy.

Pip Bennett, Advocacy Officer at UNICEF NZ, said, “This is the last chance candidates have to apply for this very special experience. Many children around the world don’t have a voice – so join us, be heard and help be the change!”

For further information on how to apply go to http://www.unicef.org.nz/YouthCongress.

Applicants must be 16-17 years old and must have NCEA Level 1 English or written language credits at this level (or equivalent). A parent or guardian must support each application. Applications close at noon on Wednesday 1 June.

ENDS

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