Children share their stories
Three young people from Cork took to the virtual stage recently to share their stories on World Children’s Day.
During the third annual Child Talks event, organised by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO), eight year old Charlie Kavanagh from Ballinhassig spoke about how caring for the environment at a local level is vital to all our lives.
Ten year old Cuan O’Neill from Blackrock presented a series of drawings that explains the exercises and tools he uses to meet the challenges he faces. Cuan was diagnosed with autism as a young boy and made a short video, narrated by himself and created with the help of his father, Eamonn.
Evan O’Connell, 18, from Ballincollig, spoke about activism, a subject he was introduced to two years ago.
Evan wants to empower young people to build their own activism toolbox from scratch and to stand up for the issues they believe in.
In a message to the participants and young viewers across the country, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “The stories and experiences of the participants of Child Talks 2020 illustrate how children and young people are often leaders in times of change and challenge.
“I appreciate how difficult the past few months have been for young people, how much they have missed out on, and I understand that they are worried about their families and friends. I also know how resilient and strong young people are and how supportive they are of each other.
“Be proud of all the things you have already achieved, bring the learnings and experiences of the last eight months with you into the future, and make your family, your society and the world a better place.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions Child Talks, which normally takes place as a live event, was moved online.
Each of the speakers and the hosts, under the guidance of the OCO Child Talks team, recorded their story from their own homes.
The Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, said: “Here at the Ombudsman’s Office we were absolutely committed to ensuring we could give children and young people a voice in this year of upheaval.
“Our commitment was met each step of the way with the enthusiasm and passion of the participants.”