Some 30 children will take part in a KidsTakeover media in Malaysia to make their voices heard on World Children’s Day, 20 November. These young changemakers will speak up about what matters most to them – hosting shows, writing columns, managing social media, or appearing in TV and radio PSAs.
📺 CHECKOUT >> KidsTakeover Media in Malaysia – Programme Schedule
They come from all walks of life – children with disabilities, refugees, and undocumented children included.
Children take the spotlight at UNICEF’s World Children’s Day launch
UNICEF officially launched KidsTakeover media in Malaysia during a World Children’s Day event – and this time, kids were the stars. The event was led by children, in true “for children, by children” spirit.
A young refugee girl from Somalia shared her story and her dream of becoming a gynaecologist.
A stateless Malaysian-born teenager spoke about his fight for education. We also saw young presenters and actors showing off their talents – a preview of what’s coming on 20 November.
“When given the opportunity, children in Malaysia 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,” said UNICEF Representative to Malaysia, Marianne Clark-Hattingh.
What do children want? Kindness, Safety and Equality
At the launch, child news anchor Putri Damia, 13, announced the results of the Children4Change Survey, which gathered views from 1,036 children aged 6–17 across Malaysia.
The big takeaway?
Over 80% of children pledged to be kind and respectful to each other – no matter race, gender, or disability.
“I think the world we live in can be and will be a better place if we start working together, taking care of each other, and putting aside our religion, sex, and race,” said a 17-year-old girl from Johor. “We’re all still humans at the end of the day, and we need to make the world a better place for the next generation.”
Top 3 issues children care about
Results from the Children4Change Opinion poll – done both online and offline – revealed what children want from their leaders:
- Education: 3 in 4 children want quality education for all, including children with disabilities, migrants, and refugees.
- Safety: Almost as many want protection from all forms of violence – bullying and corporal punishment included.
- Equality: Ending racism and discrimination ranked in the top five priorities for nearly 70% of children. More than half said solidarity is key to a better world.
The good news? More than half of children felt optimistic about the future.
Let children lead
Low Ngai Yuen, President of Kakiseni, shared her thoughts on why kids should be heard.
“Freedom to have a voice is such a fundamental right for every child,” she said. “The more chances we give children to express themselves, the more they’ll grow. Let’s create space in society where young people are included and accountable. When kids learn to value accountability, they rise to it.”
#KidsTakeOver #WorldChildrensDay #ForEveryChild #Children4Change
