South Sudanese Children Unite on World Children’s Day to Urge Adults

In a powerful call to action on World Children’s Day, children from South Sudan are urging adults to listen to their concerns about critical issues such as education, conflict resolution, healthcare, food security, and the climate crisis. This appeal stems from a series of engaging boot camp activities aimed at empowering children to express their visions for the future.

World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, serves as UNICEF’s global initiative highlighting the importance of children’s rights and voices. The day commemorates the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and emphasizes the need for schools, communities, and institutions to support and engage with children.

The 2024 theme, “Listen to the Future,” encourages adults to actively listen to children’s hopes and aspirations, fostering an environment in which children can voice their opinions about the world they wish to inhabit. It is the responsibility of adults to heed these visions and provide necessary support.

“In the face of rapid changes brought on by climate change, technological disruptions, conflicts, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks, children find themselves at a crossroads,” warned UNICEF. “They deserve a safe and livable future.”

The rights of vulnerable children stand at risk as ongoing conflicts undermine their fundamental need for care and protection. Children’s thoughts and ideas are essential and must be taken seriously in decisions that impact their lives and futures. Advocating for children’s rights is crucial to ensuring they can survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.

In the lead-up to World Children’s Day, Creative Central, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW) and supported by UNICEF and partners such as GREDO and CINA, organized a series of creative boot camps. These events provided talented children with opportunities to develop skills in music, poetry, drama, and dance. On November 20, these children proudly showcased their talents alongside established South Sudanese artists, embodying the spirit of “listening to the future” and illuminating a bright and inspiring outlook.

“It is our responsibility, as adults and policymakers, to nurture children’s confidence and self-esteem, ensuring they feel heard and understood. Their thoughts and ideas matter,” stated Hon. Ayaa Benjamin Warille, Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare. “Furthermore, we must protect them from harm and exploitation so they can flourish.”

World Children’s Day activities also included mentorship sessions from experienced journalists and storytellers, aimed at crafting compelling human-interest narratives. These stories highlight young South Sudanese who are making a difference in their communities through innovation, activism, or simple acts of kindness.

“Children today are ideally positioned to advocate for action and contribute to solutions beneficial to them. UNICEF is proud to partner with South Sudan’s children and provide them a platform to share their aspirations. We call on the government, development partners, and all stakeholders to join us in listening to our children—it boosts their self-confidence and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” shared Hamida Lasseko, UNICEF Representative. “Encouraging open dialogue builds trust between parents and children, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing their dreams, concerns, and ideas.”

As South Sudan commemorates World Children’s Day, the message is clear: the future belongs to the children, and their voices must not be ignored.