From School Speeches to Making a World Stage Statement

Mai Wiakanty’s eyes glistened with wonder as the sprawling silvery Manhattan skyline came into sight during the plane’s final descent, a stark contrast from the lush woodland savanna of her Liberian homeland. Her arrival at the airport marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

It was her first time flying international waters. The eight-hour journey revealed the chasm between the land of departure and the land of arrival. Yet, despite the unfamiliar territory, she found comfort in the familiar feeling of simply being around people and listening to their stories.

Just weeks before, the 16-year-old from Grand Gedeh County was convening members of the Zwedru Multilateral High School's Buddy Club. The next thing she knew, she was already on her way to the other side of the Atlantic, speaking alongside world leaders at the Summit of the Future, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. The Summit of the Future is a high-level event where world leaders discuss solutions to pressing global issues and chart a course for the future.

“I had never considered travelling outside my county to Monrovia, let alone flying to New York City, so that was a very memorable event for me. I even met and talked to the President and our county senator, which made me very proud,” Mai said.

Mai’s journey to the Summit began when she was elected president of her school’s Buddy Club, a UNICEF-supported initiative led by children and adolescents working to end harmful behaviours like sex-for-grades, bullying, and corporal punishment.

A UNICEF U-Report in 2015 highlighted a taboo issue in Liberia: teachers exploiting children by awarding grades in return for sex. In response, UNICEF partnered with the Ministries of Education and Gender, Children, and Social Protection to provide information, a helpline, and enhanced protection in schools.

The Buddy Club is an extension of these ongoing efforts to create a safe learning environment, especially given recent issues like students struggling to maintain consistent attendance due to bullying.

“The Buddy Club is, above all, about friendship and protecting each other,” Mai explained. “I have seen friends and schoolmates bullied for getting low grades. I noticed most feel shame, so our club tries to talk to them and encourage them not to give up. Bullying doesn’t mean they should stay away from school.”

Mai doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, a key part of her role. As president, she advises her peers to protect their mental health by ignoring negative comments and reporting serious issues they witness or experience, within and outside school, to the authorities. She also inspires them to build confidence and practise leadership by speaking before the club.

These qualities propelled Mai to speak at the Summit of the Future on critical issues like peace, child rights, climate change, and digital literacy.

“I spoke at one of the high-level discussions alongside President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.,” Mai said. “We talked about advancing universal primary education and, in particular, rallied support to help street children return to school.”

“I was happy to see and hear our government addressing the needs of Liberian children. Hearing firsthand what these people in power are planning for us and the next generation was a revelation. It was important to be part of that discussion. I hope more Liberian children are invited to these events,” she added.

Mai was not alone on this journey. Joining her was Roberto R. Cooper Jr., the 16-year-old Speaker of the Liberia Children's Representative Forum. Together, they made history as Liberia became the only country to include child representatives at UNGA 79 and the Summit of the Future.

Roberto and Mai’s journey demonstrated their passion and commitment to child rights. They engaged with global leaders, participated in discussions on climate change, peace, and digital literacy, and shared their experiences. Roberto, as a strong advocate for children’s inclusion in decision-making, emphasized the importance of allowing young people to be part of conversations shaping their future.

At the Summit, Mai advocated for children in street situations and delivered a speech at the launch of a support project, highlighting the need for care, protection, and opportunities for vulnerable children. Roberto, in turn, reinforced the necessity of creating spaces where young voices are genuinely considered in national and global decision-making. Their participation underscored the importance of child participation in addressing pressing global challenges.

Back home, Mai brings new lessons and experiences she eagerly plans to share with her peers. For her, this journey isn't just about herself but about fostering a culture of learning and building relationships, hoping they will follow in her footsteps after graduation.

When asked about her plans, Mai’s eyes lit up. "University is just around the corner," she smiled. "Maybe I'll pursue a degree in economics or accounting, perhaps somewhere outside Liberia. I think I could get used to travelling for the sake of learning.” 

Source: UNICEF