Here in Australia and around the world, young people are raising their voices on issues they care passionately about.
From the environment to gender equality and everything in between, people like you are standing up for what they believe is right. Through action, these young people are carving their own paths and creating change for a better future.
In the words of Millie Bobby Brown, “Today, young people don’t want to be talked about. They want to do the talking.”
Ready to be inspired?
Millie Bobby Brown speaks up about bullying, social media and mental health.
Australia
Tsehay became a Wiggle at 15 years old
Growing up with a passion for dance and movement, Tsehay has always loved to perform. From Ethiopian dancing to salsa, Latin and Brazilian Samba, Tsehay's talent caught the attention of the Wiggles (who are also Ambassadors for UNICEF Australia). At only 15 years old, Tsehay became the youngest Wiggle, plus she was the first (and only) female Wiggle to wear pants (not a skirt). Tsehay entertains millions of children and speaks openly about her adoption journey, her birth country Ethiopia, inclusion and the importance of education.
"I believe it's really important that young people feel heard because they are the future. Being a teenager myself, for me to grow and progress in life, I always feel like I can move forward when I feel supported, heard and validated."
Australia
Meet Abbie who started her own sports magazine
Sitting in a doctor's waiting room, Abbie was disappointed there was nothing about women and sport in their pile of magazines. At 11 years old, Abbie decided to create Her Way, a magazine that tells the stories of women in sports. Publishing the first issue in September 2021, Her Way quickly got the attention of famous Aussie athletes, including cricketer Elyse Villani and golfer Karrie Webb. Abbie even created a YouTube channel where she interviews sports athletes such as Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Emma McKeon.
Abbie generously donates 50 per cent of Her Way’s sales revenue to UNICEF Australia’s “Empower Girls Through Cricket” fundraiser to help give other girls the same opportunity to play sport. Her Way’s inspiring motto is “If she can, you can”.
“I think it is really inspiring that young girls, and I guess boys as well, can see that if this girl can do it, you can do it as well,” says Abbie.
In the African nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, 15-year-old Pascal collects rubbish from around Lake Kivu.
Pascal creating change in his community
Australia
Emily is a mental health and human rights advocate
At the age of 13, Emily, who is a child of immigrant parents, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Having faced and overcame many challenges surrounding their self-identity and mental health, Emily, who is now in their 20s, is a voice and passionate advocate for human rights of all people, regardless of background, identity and intersectionality. Emily has won a lot of awards, including Mental Health Advocate of the Year and Innovation in Protecting Children. They were also a 2022 UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador, 25 Under 25 winner for Future Minds Network and 30 Under 30 winner for Out for Australia.
In a refugee camp in Jordan, 18-year-old Bodoor shows how important education is.
A day in the life of
Burundi
Year 8 students build a rocket stove.
You might think it unusual that Jean Baptiste and his classmates were asked by their school in the African nation of Burundi to help build a stove. But in Burundi, many families still cook their food on open fires, which uses a lot of firewood and causes health risks due to smoke inhalation. Jean Baptiste and his classmates wanted to change this. As part of a Creatable program supported by UNICEF, students are encouraged to solve real-world problems. One of the problems was to help every home have a safe and affordable stove to cook their food on. The students worked together to create a rocket stove.
"If I visit my relatives, I will build them an improved stove. My wish is that this kind of course be accessible to all Burundian students," says Jean Baptiste.
