KIDS TAKEOVER EXPERIENCE- UNICEF INDIA

In India, which will have the youngest demography in the world by 2020, young people are engaged in building startups, creating technology to help disadvantaged communities, advocating for greater justice and equality – and making a difference in the lives of millions. But often, young people around the world are relegated to the sidelines an

d excluded from having a say in decisions that will affect them. Ultimately, the lack of youth participation in important decisions is detrimental to our society.

On the occasion of World Children’s Day on 20th November 2017, Paridhi Puri of Class XI of Ahlcon International School got the lifetime opportunity to represent the UNICEF Chief of India, Ms. Yasmin Ali Haque with Avantika Chodha of the Indian School. As zealous and passionate individuals working as Peer Educators in Expressions India, they discussed issues plaguing our nation from the perspective of the youth. Youth engagement in matters of national priority was advocated by them, during their session with the UNICEF chiefs. Broad discourses on nutritional deficiencies, education barriers and gender inequalities were voiced through the opinions of young leaders.

As representatives of UNICEF India, Paridhi and Avantika were delighted to interview the god of cricket himself, Sachin Tendulkar where he explained his ambitions and aspirations for the youth of the nation, and his message to this talented generation with unlimited potential. They also witnessed a panel discussion presided over by Sachin and prominent youth leaders of the nation, as well as a spine-thrilling match that he played with disabled children.

On behalf of UNICEF India, Avantika and Paridhi took part in the Parliamentary Group of Children committee comprising of Members of Parliament and youth leaders from all over the nation. Soundarya from Odisha, Kanaka from Karnataka, Aarti from Maharashtra, Subham from Assam with their breathtaking stories, left an indelible impression on the lives of many with their engaging and invigorating stories.

Thus, practices that give young people a voice in their own learning, support their broad development including social, personal, and intellectual growth, and connect youth to their local community and the surrounding environment must find renewed life. Student advisories, mentoring, apprenticeships, restorative justice, self-managed learning, and shared governance practices can make tangible differences in a student's sense of belonging, autonomy, and mattering.