UN Youth Champion, Monique Coleman

After touring the world during six months as UN Youth Champion, Monique Coleman arrived in South America, for the last leg of the most successful trip to convey the values of the United Nations to youngsters from different continents, in the framework of the International Year of Youth.

Three days, from 13 to 15 July, seemed little for the number of activities carried out by Monique in Lima, but she proved to have the zest and the energy required for this task, doing it all in the most gracious manner, and with a very eloquent and inspiring discourse.

“This has been one of the most impressive visits I’ve had”, Monique Coleman told youngsters from the almost new-born Youth Council from the Municipality of Lima, “and I have never been asked such hard questions as those you’ve made me here today”. Indeed, during the conversation held at the Lima City Hall with representatives from youth associations from different parts of the city, Monique was impacted by the concern expressed about the increasing number of teenagers committing suicide, and also about the right they believe children and adolescents should have to work, but with dignified conditions. “The problem in our country is not the eradication of child labor, but the eradication of poverty”, a student said. “We should be allowed to work, but with the proper conditions, with dignity”, added this very young 13 year old girl, who belongs to an association of child workers.

During her tour in Lima, Monique shared her own experiences, and said the most important thing she could do for young people all over the world is to tell them that they are important. “I am here as the first ever UN Youth Champion to tell you that you matter to me, that you are important, that you must believe in yourselves and be heard by the adults. I am here to listen to you, to learn from you and to take your voices to the UN”.

Among the numerous activities carried out by Monique Coleman in Lima, highlighting moments were the encounter she had in Ventanilla with children and mothers from the program “Adios Anemia” (Good-bye anemia). This program is coordinated by the WFP and the Municipality of Ventanilla, in Callao, to help improve the nourishment security of families. Monique also met with members of the National Council of Youth (NCY), who work with UNFPA to prevent adolescent pregnancy. Youngsters from Lima, Tumbes, Loreto, Ucayali and Ayacucho talked with Monique Coleman about sexual and reproductive health and the role of the National Council of Youth in the prevention of adolescent pregnancy. UNICEF also organized an activity with the Mayor of Lima, Ms. Susana Villaran, to meet with teenagers and children from the Consulting Council for Children and Adolescents (CONNA), and representatives from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs. During the activity, the Mayor of Lima informed about the actions being taken to declare Lima a friendly city for children and adolescents.

The UN Youth Champion also met with school students during her visit in Lima. On 14 July, she visited Villa Maria High School, where she shared her experiences with Junior students, and also visited 4th, 5th and 6th grade school students from the Villa Maria Little School, educational program for children from poor environments.

The grand finale of the tour took place on 15 July, when Monique met with students of the Friends of the UN Club from the Jorge Cieza Lachos School. The activity was held at the UN Compound “Javier Perez de Cuellar”, and was led by the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Rebeca Arias. During the activity, one of the students read Monique a poem specially written by her for this occasion, and others presented the UN Youth Champion with gifts from the three regions of Peru: the coast, the highlands and the jungle.

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