Young people talk about issues they face in Jersey

Some of Jersey's young people took charge in leading conversations about the issues facing them on World Children’s Day.

Several young people worked with the Children Commissioner's Office at an event with charities, ministers and a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

They talked about disabilities, housing and accessible and affordable play among other subjects.

World Children’s Day is marked around the world and this year is the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) being brought to Jersey.

"I have a dynamic disability which means my disability can change on a whim so one minute I can be fine walking around without mobility aids, then the next I might need my walker or wheelchair," 17-year-old Elianna said.

She highlighted what she goes through in a speech at the event.

"We need more tolerance for disabilities in Jersey because people do treat me differently and that isn't right, said Elianna.

"One of the big problems is housing, and finding a suitable house for a family in Jersey is quite a challenge," said Tino.

The 18-year-old said: "There’s a lot of small one or two-bedroom homes going up and I think more affordable family homes are really needed."

Tino introduced guests at the Children's Commissioner's event and also interviewed the Children’s Minister Constable Richard Vibert about housing problems.

She said: "For change to happen and things to get better then governments need to listen to young people at events like this to hear what they think, take on the criticism then do something about them."

Georgia, 16, said: "I do love living in Jersey but I think there’s quite a lot of things that could be better in the island for children.

"There’s not a lot for young people to do in Jersey and there should be more things we can do especially with our families and everything is so expensive now so there needs to be more free activities for children and their families to do, so their lives aren't boring in Jersey."

Georgia interviewed Prof Philip Jaffé at the event.

She said: "I think key people in Jersey do need to listen to children and think about them more when they make decisions in the island."

Minister for Children and Families Constable Richard Vibert heard from the children and others at the event.

He said there were "issues that we need to address".

The minister said: "On the plans for more play areas – I will come back to the government with a plan for that next and for housing we do need to feedback to children that we are taking their views into account.

"I think there’s nothing more important than having a good family home and I think every child should be entitled to that."

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