Children to ‘take over’ Malaysian media on World Children’s Day

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KUALA LUMPUR: About 20 children from different walks of life, including those with disabilities, will ‘takeover’ Malaysian media to make their voices heard on this upcoming World Children’s Day observed on Nov 20.

Over 10 major media partners spanning across television, radio, print and online will participate in this global movement under this year’s theme, #ForEveryChild, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement yesterday.

“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.

“Children will speak up about what matters most to them, either hosting your favourite show, appearing in a TV and radio public service announcements, writing a column or acting as social media managers,” said Unicef’s Representative to Malaysia, Marianne Clark-Hattingh.

Through such opportunity children in Malaysia will show us that they are clear about the society they want to see and build in the future; quality education, no violence, solidarity and kindness, added Clark-Hattingh, in the statement.

On the same note, Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni, the co-partner for World Children’s Day celebration next week said freedom to have a voice is fundamental for every child.

“I believe that the more opportunities that we create for children to express themselves, the more we feed children’s drive to participate and expand their minds.

“Thus let’s open avenues in the society where young people are included and accountable. When they are taught to value accountability, you’ll find that children will do their best to live up to it,” Low said.

In an opinion poll released by Unicef and Kakiseni, more than 80 per cent of 1,036 children from across Malaysia pledged to be kind and respectful to one another, regardless of race, gender or disability, as a way to build a better future, according to the statement.

World Children’s Day or Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly as a day of celebration of the state of welfare of children. — Bernama