Nationwide Quest Begins for New UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors

Nationwide Quest Begins for New UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassadors

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund) is launching a nationwide quest for three passionate young Kiwis to become its newest Youth Ambassadors. Applications will be accepted until Friday 8 February from young New Zealanders who want to take action to improve the lives of children around the world.

The charity is inviting young people aged between 16-18 years to apply for the two-year Youth Ambassador role. Ambassadors have the opportunity to work in their community to empower others to take action for children, and be involved in UNICEF's campaigns and projects.

Those successful will join the existing team of four Youth Ambassadors who are Ben Dowdle (Auckland), Sharndre Kushor (Auckland), Akane Sandom (Wellington) and Nasif Azam (Christchurch). The Ambassadors will work together but will also create their own action plan focusing on areas they are most interested in such as climate change, education and HIV/AIDS in developing countries.

Pip Bennett, International Advocacy Manager at UNICEF NZ, said “This is the fourth year UNICEF NZ has run our successful Youth Ambassador programme, where our Ambassadors have run community events, written blogs and delivered presentations on issues that they are most passionate about.”

“We love this time of year where we get to meet a new bunch of young people who are passionate about seeing change happen in their life-time. We are always impressed by the drive and commitment in our Kiwi youth and look forward to developing their potential further through our Youth Ambassador programme.”

Auckland-based Ambassador, Ben Dowdle, who is going into his second year as an Ambassador, said, “UNICEF NZ has big plans for 2013 and this is an opportunity for young people to get involved and do their bit for children living in poverty, I strongly encourage you to apply.”

“If you are willing to stand up in front of your peers and convince them to take action, then please apply to be a UNICEF NZ Youth Ambassador and let’s make it happen. We are excited to see this new team come together to tackle global issues and create change,” added Pip.

For further information on how to apply or to learn more about the Youth Ambassador programme visit: http://www.unicef.org.nz/Become-a-Youth-Ambassador

Applicants must be 16-18 years old and will need to submit an 800 word written statement along with two references and a signed permission form to Pip Bennett at pip@unicef.org.nz before 5pm, Friday 8th February.

ENDS

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