Pop Up Festival and the World Largest Lesson empower Turkmenistan’s children

Thirty children of 8-9 years of age participated in interactive activities organized by the United Nations and the Government of Turkmenistan, to explore the essence of the Goals, the rights of children as per Convention and how these two are interlinked. Children also learnt about emotional intelligence, gender equality, climate change, hygiene practices, as well as shared about future aspirations.

“I dream of becoming an art teacher,” excitingly noted eight-year-old Nastya, through the Flying Goals activity. “And I want to build skyscrapers,” shared Zaman.

Young SDG Ambassadors who underwent prior training by Six Seconds, a global non-profit organization, moderated the Festival and ensured the play-based learning experiences for children.

“As young leaders promoting all Global Goals we aimed at empowering young children to take the action to achieve SDGs,” said Azat Handurdyev, SDG Ambassador and the fourth year student of the Institute of the Engineering and Transport Communications.

Following the Festival schoolchildren took part in the World Largest Lesson on the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child organized by UNICEF. Young participants engaged in interactive sessions that helped them understand the articles of the Convention. A few children took over the role of the teacher by citing a poem about the rights. They also shared about the needs children have to fulfil their potential, such as fresh air, clean water, schooling and access to health services. Children also pointed out that they need care, love and protection of parents. Inspired by the World Children’s Day pitch video children concluded the event by dancing and expressing their joy.