(Post includes videos.)
Nicaragua doesn’t just celebrate the ICDB with a token show with youth presenters. UNICEF Nicaragua has transformed the ICDB into a multi-event initiative that integrates culture and social issues for youth and adolescents. Community Officer Guiselle Alemán Ayala explains that over the past 9 years in Nicaragua, the ICDB “has become a day of social mobilization to put on the public agenda topics of interest of children and adolescents throughout the country.” The ICDB celebrations include their annual Festival of Radio and TV and, in 2011, the Artists and Friends Concert for Children. (Because of other logistics, Nicaragua was unable to celebrate the ICDB on 6 March and instead held their comprehensive events over the month of September.)
She shared this video, which shows UNICEF’s multi-faceted approach to the ICDB this past year:
“During those days thousands of children and adolescents participated in various activities calling for Nicaraguan society on compliance demand their rights as: assertive communication between parents and children, the right to truthful information timely and guidance, protection against all types of violence in the family, community and society in general, quality education, warm and inclusive, and finally specialized health services, all the above in order to guarantee a full and happy development in this transition phase adolescence, in which they prepare themselves to become adults whose common desire, regardless of its origin, is having a full happy life.”
You can also check out this video, which highlights the Artists and Friends Concert for Children. On September 10, 2011, twelve bands and nine Nicaraguan singers joined voices to sing for the rights of childhood and adolescence. More than 5,000 people sang and danced for eight continuous hours of this free concert held in Managua and was one of the most significant activities of UNICEF Nicaragua in 2011.
