Youth Ambassadors

We have ten amazing young people as Youth Ambassadors for 2013.

Their role is to raise awareness about children's rights, support UNICEF's campaigns and help empower young people to take action on issues that they are passionate about.

WHO ARE THEY?

Hi my name is Ben Dowdle. I'm 18, studying a conjoint Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at Auckland University. My passions are for climate change and poverty which is why I am so proud to represent an organisation like UNICEF. Outside of my role I play and umpire hockey and lead a campaign for mandatory palm oil labelling called ‘Unmask Palm Oil’

My name is Akane Sandom. I’m 19 years old and I am a second year student at Victoria University of Wellington, studying Law and Development Studies. I care about the well-being of children across the globe; that is what fuels my passion in children’s rights. Participation and action by young people in New Zealand towards social issues is invaluable. That is why I love the role as a UNICEF Youth Ambassador- because it gives us a platform to raise awareness and encourage action across a wide audience of young people. 

My name is Sharndre Kushor, I am a first year student at the University of Auckland. I am passionate about human rights, in particular rights around education and health care. I love working with UNICEF and feel that the most rewarding part of being a Youth Ambassador is making other young people aware and inspiring them to make a difference.

My name is Nasif Azam and I am currently an 18 year old studying at the University of Canterbury, doing Law and Economics. Having been an ambassador for a year now, I have enjoyed the opportunity to promote and engage other young people in discussion about global issues facing children. Of particular interest to me is the economics behind development, poverty and education. 

 Hi, I'm Tamara Jenkin, a year 13 student at Queen Margaret College in Wellington. I believe in education as a solution for child poverty and exploitation - to break the cycle of poverty by educating young people and to encourage the more priviledged to take action. I'm hoping my work as an Ambassador will encourage other young people to get involved with UNICEF.
 Hi! I'm Jamie Wood and I am 16 years old, a year 12 boarder at Columba College in Dunedin, originally from Queenstown.  I love travelling, sport, music, and going to the beach. I am really excited for the opportunities in the year ahead, including participating in and convincing others to become involved in Live Below the Line.
 My name is Brad Olsen. I'm 16 years old and attend Whangarei Boys' High School. I've lived in Northland my whole life and love spending time at any of the local beaches. I'm really looking forward to working with the other Ambassadors to inform others about their rights.
 Hi, my name is Ruby Sands. I am 18 years old, originally from Auckland but currently studying Law and International Relations at Victoria University. My hobbies include being involved with UN Youth, debating and hanging out with my friends. I'm particularly passionate about improving access to education as well as reducing child poverty rates.
 Hi there! My name is Ella Stolwerk. I'm 16 and am currently year 13 at Kristin School in Auckland, originally from Langs Beach. My hobbies include surf lifesaving, hockey, and being a social butterfly! I am so excited to be an Ambassador and can't wait to meet new people and contribute to postive change for the future of children in NZ and the rest of the world.
 My name is Liam Stretch. I am 16 and I am a year 12 student at St. Bedes College in Christchurch. I have always been passionate about helping people. I have been involved in my school's service group for a number of years and I have always tried to do my bit to better humanity. This role provides me with a whole new range of possibilities to make a difference.

If you would like more information about the Youth Ambassadors or want to get involved in their plans for the year, please email pip@unicef.org.nz.