World Children’s Day: Kilkenny schoolboy takes to stage at RDS
A Kilkenny schoolboy will today join seven other young speakers to speak about the impact the pandemic has had on their mental health.
Darragh Cahill (12) will take to the stage at the RDS in Dublin to talk about what happens to a soccer loving young boy living with scoliosis after he finally undergoes the long awaited surgery that changes his life for the better.
The address is part of Child Talks 2021, an annual event hosted by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office to mark World Children’s Day.
A spokesperson said: “Following a devastating 18 months for children and young people, Child Talks 2021 gives children an opportunity to have their say on the impact the pandemic has had on their mental health, Direct Provision, scoliosis, gender equality, climate change and a range of other issues.”
In keeping with this year’s theme, Children aged 10 to 17 will share their Hopes for the Future and call on those in positions of power, to listen and to learn from what they have to say.
Dr Niall Muldoon, the Ombudsman for Children said: “Children have been through so much since March 2020 – they have missed out, fallen behind and taken the blame. The theme of this year’s Child Talks is My Hopes for the Future and it is inspiring to hear how our young people are dealing with challenges and looking forward.
“This year’s speakers bring so much hope and positivity highlighting the strength of our young people.”
Child Talks 2021 will be presented by former speakers Katherine Amusan (17) and Oisin Putt (19) and will be watched by students in classrooms across the country.
