20 November marks World Children’s Day – a moment to celebrate children’s rights and recognize the importance of their participation in shaping the world around them.
Young people don’t just benefit from change – they help tell its story. At the this year’s International Consultation of Child Helplines (IC 2025), held in Livingstone, Zambia, five young contributors embraced that role fully!
The theme of the IC 2025 was “Children at the Centre”. And that’s exactly where we found these five young people during the event. Responding to a call from UNICEF Zambia. they acted as conference reporters, following sessions, gathering insights, and sharing daily updates that helped delegates stay informed and connected.
In this special blog for World Children’s Day, these five young people look back at their week in Livingstone, and tell us their own personal highlights from the week.
Serving as Youth Media Advocates at the 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines was an honour. This role gave us the chance to witness, document and share the important conversations on child protection happening in Livingstone, Zambia. We believe our voices, like those of the children we represent, play a powerful role in shaping a safer future.
Mukelabai Mukelabai Jnr.
Reporting from the Youth Media Hub at the IC 2025 in Livingstone was more than just a task, it was a responsibility to carry children’s voices further. I joined as a reporter because I believe stories can spark change, and I am committed to informing and educating people in my community about the vital role child helplines play.
A highlight for me was when children stood on stage to present their position paper. Their courage and clarity reminded me why these platforms matter: when children speak, the world should listen. The energy of young people throughout the consultation – from powerful discussions to joyful dancing – made the experience unforgettable!
My biggest learning was that child helplines are not just services, but lifelines of hope and protection. I left Livingstone inspired and determined to continue raising awareness so that every child knows that help is only a phone call away.
Mapalo D Chasaya
During the IC 2025, my role as a Media Hub Representative was to document sessions, highlight key conversations, and amplify the voices of children and young people. I was drawn to this role because storytelling has always been my way of advocating for child rights, and being part of the UNICEF-supported Youth Media Hub gave me the chance to ensure that what was discussed in Livingstone could reach far beyond the conference walls. Personally, it meant a great deal because I felt entrusted with carrying the voices of many, not just my own.
My favourite moments were the interviews we conducted as the Youth Media Hub, and the powerful youth declarations, where young people spoke with honesty and courage as they shared recommendations with stakeholders. These moments reminded me of the strength of united voices.
My biggest takeaway was understanding how critical child helplines are as true lifelines for children. I hope governments will continue to prioritize and fund them, so that every child has someone to listen and respond to them.
Favourite Singongo
My role at IC 2025 with the UNICEF-supported Media Hub team was to report on sessions, capture voices and share stories that reflected the essence and energy of the conference. I’ve long been passionate about storytelling, and this experience reminded me how much impact stories can have when children and young people are truly heard.
One of the moments that stayed with me most was when children delivered their petition, boldly declaring, “We’re not too young to lead.” Their courage and honesty were inspiring and reminded me that young people can make a difference when given the chance.
The closing ceremony was another highlight after days of intense discussions, seeing everyone come together in music and dance was a joyful celebration of unity and shared purpose.
What I learned is simple but powerful: Children everywhere need safe spaces, care and support. I hope to see more strengthened child helplines and young people everywhere empowered to step up and lead.
Timothy Sitanya
My task as a Youth Media Advocate under UNICEF’s Youth Media Hub at the IC 2025 was to document and amplify the voices of young people. I was interested because I believe storytelling is advocacy, and I wanted to help spotlight the real issues children face. For me, it was more than a role-it was a true privilege.
My favourite moment was listening to Afrooz Kaviani Johnson’s session on why children often don’t reach out when experiencing online harm. Her words on shame and fear made me realize how urgently we need to rebuild trust in child helplines.
On a lighter note, the joy of the opening and closing ceremonies was a powerful reminder of how strong we can be when we unite.
My biggest takeaway is that the future of child protection must be co-created with young people, not just for them. I left feeling hopeful, knowing that our voices are needed to spark real change. I hope that because of these conversations, child helplines will truly listen, protect and empower every child who dares to speak up.
Philippa Ayamba
At the IC 2025, my task as a reporter was to capture the heart of the event –documenting key discussions, highlighting underrepresented voices, and sharing the atmosphere with those who could not be there in person. It was more than reporting; it was about weaving together stories that reflected the power of children’s voices and the commitment of those working to protect them.
Personally, it was both humbling and inspiring to witness so many people united by a shared mission. One of my favourite moments was a singing performance by the schoolchildren present in sharing their stories. Their voices filled the room and reminded everyone why this work matters, because children deserve not just protection, but also spaces where they can express themselves freely and be heard.
My biggest takeaway from the consultation is that child participation is not symbolic – it is essential. Listening to children genuinely shapes better lives, providing more effective solutions for their wellbeing.
From the Hub Lead:
Empowering the Next Generation of
Storytellers at the IC 2025
The 11th International Consultation of Child Helplines in Livingstone was yet another opportunity to bring together powerful voices dedicated to protecting and empowering children. For the UNICEF Zambia team, supporting the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to host this prestigious conference was an honour, and it presented a perfect opportunity to put a core UNICEF principle into practice: meaningful adolescent and youth engagement.
This belief led to the creation of the Youth-Led Media Hub. Our vision was simple yet transformative: to move beyond talking “about” young people to creating a platform where we could talk “with” them, and more importantly, where they could lead the conversation.
We put out a call on our Facebook page and five dynamic, passionate young people met the criteria. We equipped them with intensive training to become the official digital storytellers for the IC2025.
The results were nothing short of phenomenal. This team of five young change-makers – our ultimate dream team – captured the energy, insights and urgency of IC2025 through their unique lens. They conducted interviews, produced social media content and documented key moments, ensuring the messages from Livingstone resonated with a global youth audience. Their work was not just coverage; it was a testament to what young people can achieve when given the tools, trust and the platform.
At UNICEF Zambia, we have seen time and again that when we invest in youth participation, we invest in a brighter future. We have watched junior reporters, climate ambassadors and child rights advocates grow into responsible, powerful citizens. It is by giving them exposure to what is possible that we help them broaden their dreams and realize their immense potential.
The success of the Youth-Led Media Hub at IC 2025 is a model we are incredibly proud of. It is my deepest hope to continue collaborating with this talented team. Together, we can continue to amplify the voices of children and young people across Zambia and beyond, ensuring their perspectives are not just heard but are central to the conversations that shape their world.
Betty Chella Nalungwe
Communication Officer
UNICEF Zambia