Global Kids' Online Leadership Program

Hi everyone,

Yesterday was the first day of the UNICEF World Fit for Children Festival, and we were delighted to have Mariel from Voices of Youth represent UNICEF -VOY, and share about her experiences with teens in TSL. She kicked off the event with a short interview, and helped us give out the award for the winning team that won the highest votes for "Most Popular Build of the Day" as well as the winner from the UNICEF Scavenger Hunt.
As a result, we had over 50 teens who came to attend the event and met Mariel Voyunicef, and everyone was able to take home a notecard that Mariel made so they can contact her for more details on UNICEF - VOY. We had a great time and we welcome Mariel to continue to spread the word on VOY and participate in the World Fit for Children Festival.

Tabitha GKid: Please allow me to introduce our special guest today
Tabitha Gkid: Her name is MARIEL VOYUNICEF
Tabitha GKid: anyone notice anything interesting about her last name?
Ryan Mauriac: Has unicef in it!
Richard Dwi: It also has the abbreviation of voices of youth
Tabitha GKid: That’s correct! So without further adue, please welcome Mariel! Tabitha
Mariel Voyunicef: Okay, well... Hi, everybody ^^
Mariel Voyunicef: As you might have noticed, my name is Mariel
Mariel Voyunicef: I participate in UNICEF Voices of Youth (an online community)
Mariel Voyunicef: And I live in Mexico City
Mariel Voyunicef: Voices of Youth is the place where you will have to post about your projects, but you will be told about that a bit later.
Tabitha GKid: Thank you Mariel. So let me ask you the first question…
Tabitha GKid: can you tell us what “A World Fit for Children” means?
Mariel Voyunicef: A World Fit for Children is a goal that all governments have set
Mariel Voyunicef: But we all have to work for it
Mariel Voyunicef: A World Fit for Children is one where all children can go to quality school
Mariel Voyunicef: Where they can grow up in safe environments
Mariel Voyunicef: Safe = healthy, no abuse or exploitation.
Mariel Voyunicef: That's a World Fit for Children.
MagEE March: What race are these children?
Tabitha GKid: and how did you get involved with UNICEF – VOY?
Mariel Voyunicef: Well, I think education is a big issue in Mexico, so I logged onto unicef.org to learn a bit more
Mariel Voyunicef: I began discussing in VOY forum
Mariel Voyunicef: And precisely today two years ago I learned there that taking action is a must for everyone
Tabitha GKid: Can you provide us with the site?
Mariel Voyunicef: Of course: http://www.unicef.org/voy
Mariel Voyunicef: And this is *our* thread: http://www.unicef.org/voy/discussions/showthread.php?t=6774
Tabitha GKid: Thank you Mariel, please continue to share about your experience as a VOY representative, and how do you feel about these projects so far?
Mariel Voyunicef: Well, I'm really proud of everyone because they're making great projects!
Mariel Voyunicef: There are still many hours left until the deadline, and things are getting very impressive already
Mariel Voyunicef: So I can't wait until Wednesday midnight :D
Tabitha GKid: Yes, it’s going to be very exciting
Mariel Voyunicef: Some advice - Everyone should think first of what issue to address..
Mariel Voyunicef: Once you've determined what to do, get some friends to visit and give you their opinions
Mariel Voyunicef: Also, read about your issue!
Mariel Voyunicef: You might find some very useful information there
Mariel Voyunicef: www.unicef.org/voy has lots of information on the issues of this contest, so check it out
Tabitha GKid: That’s wonderful! Now, lets take questions from the audience. Greeny Greene: Yes! I have a question. For the WFFC, what did you do? I didn't know about it until today
MagEE March: May I ask a question? How old are you? Sorry if it's rude to you, and what race are the children we're aiming to help, mixed?
Mariel Voyunicef: I'm 16, and you're aiming to help every single child in the world. Easy, isn't it?
Mariel Voyunicef: No matter the race and age.
Tabitha GKid: anymore questions from the audience?
MagEE March: Why were you concerned at the age of 14? I'm 13 and don't really care to be honest. LOL.
Mariel Voyunicef: Well, I don't know. I just think that the least we can do is reattribute our people for what they've given to us
Mariel Voyunicef: And you can do that at any age, even 13
Mariel Voyunicef: So yes, that's pretty much it I want to share =)
Tabitha GKid: Thank you Mariel! Let’s give her a big round of GK applause!
Mariel Voyunicef: Thank you! =)