UNICEF NZ Calls on NZ Youth to Apply for Youth Ambassador Roles

UNICEF NZ has once again launched its nationwide search for six new Youth Ambassadors and is calling on enthusiastic young people to apply before Friday, 12 December 2014.

Jacqui Southey, Child Rights Education Advisor and Youth Participation Programme Manager at UNICEF NZ said, “Our Youth Ambassador programme gives young people a platform to advocate for issues related to children’s rights that affect them and their peers.

“The programme also provides them with the necessary tools and skills to become a catalyst for change on issues they are passionate about in their local communities.”

UNICEF NZ is inviting young people aged between 16-19 years to apply for the two-year Youth Ambassador role. As part of the programme, Youth Ambassadors are given the opportunity to work in their communities to empower others to take action for children, and become involved in UNICEF's campaigns and projects.

Successful applicants will join four current UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors; Ripeka Reiri (Hokitika), Sonny Ngatai (Wellington), Cordelia Oh and Nadya Fauzia (Auckland). The Ambassadors will work together but will also create their own action plans focusing on areas they are most interested in such as climate change, education and child poverty.

Hokitika Ambassador, Ripeka Reiri who is going into her second year as an Ambassador, said of the programme, “You should apply to be a youth ambassador because it gives you a platform to voice your opinion and take action on the issues affecting not only New Zealand children but also children from all around the world.”

Ms Southey added, “Our Youth Ambassadors are talented young New Zealanders who are passionate about children’s rights and making positive change for children and young people around the world. We are looking for six new young people to add their skills to our team and become a force for change for the future.”

For further information on how to apply or to learn more about the Youth Ambassador programme visit: https://www.unicef.org.nz/Become-a-Youth-Ambassador

Applicants must be aged between 16 - 19 years and will need to submit a written 800 word statement to Jacqui Southey at jacqui@unicef.org.nz alongside their contact details, two references and a signed permission form by their parents or guardian before 5pm, Friday 12 December 2014.

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