Nicholas Carstoiu is only 15 years old, yet he proves to be an inspiration for us all. He wants to use his voice for good via NGO’s such as the United Nations.
Additionally, one of his passions is visiting schools throughout Bucharest hoping to empower the youth and encourage them to join volunteering efforts. His aim isn’t to influence children to necessarily work with UNICEF, he simply wishes to emphasizes the significance of volunteering.
More specifically, he wants to convey the idea that when faced with a volunteering opportunity we need to go beyond the superficial level of “what’s in it for me?” And rather think of “how can i help others”. When hearing about Nicholas’ aspirations in person, I was in awe. Not only is he a talented, bright, teen, he is also remarkably mature and kind. He truly transcends his few years.
In today’s interview, Nicholas will be sharing with us what it’s like working for UNICEF Romania, and what his favorite projects have been. Additionally he details how he thinks the youth can get involved in UN efforts, as well as the importance of mental health awareness especially in nations that stigmatize it, such as our own, Romania 🇷🇴
Wholesome readers: you’re in for a treat! Get ready to enjoy Nicholas’ eloquent and engaging responses.
Question 1: As a member of UNICEF Romania Children's Board, can you share your experience representing UNICEF and the initiatives you've been involved in to support children's well-being?
Answer: I’m Nicholas, I live in Bucharest and I am a 9th-grade student at the
Romanian-Finnish High School. In 2023 I Was selected to join the
Children’s Board in Romania, a child-led group supported by UNICEF,
one of the biggest organizations in the world. Starting this year, I am also a member of the first Children's Consultative Council of the Bucharest City Hall. This Consultative Council consists of 20 children eager to express our ideas and contribute to creating a better future for all children in the city.
The project is part of the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative, a UNICEF-led global
initiative that supports municipal governments in realizing the rights of
children at the local level using the UN Convention on the Rights of the
Child as its foundation. This initiative brings the rights, needs, concerns
and priorities of children to the center of attention of the local
administration. I've always been interested in making a difference around me,
especially when it comes to helping children. As I grow, I see and
understand their needs better regarding education, healthcare and
mental health, the other basic needs. For me, being accepted into this extraordinary team represents an honor and a challenge at the same time, as I can develop my professional skills while I dedicate my energy towards helping less privileged children.
Question 2: Can you describe your role on the UNICEF Child Board?
Answer: As a member of the Children’s Board supported by UNICEF, my role
is to represent the voices of young people and help shape the direction
of UNICEF and partners work from a youth perspective.
My role entails participating in meetings where we share our ideas,
experiences, and suggestions on how UNICEF and partners can better
support children around the world. We also work on specific campaigns,
helping to raise awareness and advocate for issues like education,
health, and child rights.
It's a really collaborative environment, where everyone’s opinion matters, and we get to see our contributions making a real impact. UNICEF welcomed us with open arms and challenges us every time to be better, to identify projects and ideas that can support less fortunate children, and teaches us to be modest, respectful and grateful with what we have.
Question 3: What are some of the key initiatives or projects you are currently working on with UNICEF?
Answer: Currently, I'm involved in several key initiatives with UNICEF that focus on improving the lives of children. One of the main projects I have
worked on is a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of
mental health for all children, especially in areas affected by conflict or
poverty. We're organizing events and creating social media content to
highlight the challenges that many children face in the environments
where they live.
Question 4: Can you share a specific project that you are particularly proud of and explain its impact?
Answer: I have been playing basketball for over 11 years, and I admit that I'm
the first to raise my hand when it comes to projects related to sports.
An achievement that pleased me was an article I published in which I
propose a "Guide to Better Emotional Health Through Sports" for
teenagers.
Another project that deeply moved me and was a great challenge for me was creating a series of videos dedicated to teenagers about trauma
anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. I challenge you to search for
these videos online and share them with your friends
Question 5: How do you and your fellow board members decide which issues to prioritize?
Answer: The Children's Board – established at UNICEF’s initiative - is an
informal group entirely led by children to promote children's participation in decisions that affect them, to give them a voice in the public space and to encourage diversity.
In the Children's Board, we promote children's participation in
decision-making processes, amplify the voice of the vulnerable and
encourage diversity.
Together with the UNICEF team, we discuss different opportunities
and projects to advocate for children’s rights. We are also invited to
different events and speaking opportunities, and each of us has the
mission to see the project through to completion and be ready for a new
one.
Question 6: What has been the most challenging project you have worked on, and how did you overcome the obstacles?
Answer: We are children aged between 12 and 17 years old, trying to learn
how to make the world a better place, alongside an organization that
operates in 190 countries and territories.
For me, maybe the most challenging project was filming a series of
videos, as I mentioned earlier, dedicated to teenagers around the world,
where we discussed their real problems and tried to find solutions. I was
afraid I wouldn’t do well in front of the cameras but, as always, the
UNICEF team was there for us, preparing, encouraging and supporting
us, and I believe that in the end, we did a very good job.
I also remember the ReThink Summit, an event dedicated to quality
education and entrepreneurship that promotes building a sustainable
future. There were discussed proposals to support an environment
where young people love to live. I was nervous because I was around
adults with great responsibilities, who had the power to decide for us, the
young people. Discussion panels were open and I was able to
participate in one. The fact that I represented the Board, together with
my colleagues, made me understand how important it is to be coherent
and relevant. I have super great colleagues that I admire a lot! We
support each other, we learn from each other, we have fun together.
ROCK FM's Interview of Nicholas and Iarina, UNICEF Child Board Members for International Children's Day
Question 7: What core values guide the work of the UNICEF Child Board?
Answer: Through the Children's Board supported by UNICEF, we promote
children's participation in decision-making processes, amplify the voices
of the vulnerable and encourage diversity. "Nothing for children, without children” is a principle that supports our right to be heard and taken into account by those who decide our future.
Question 8: How do you ensure that the voices of children and teenagers are heard and valued in your projects?
Answer: Among the activities and initiatives where Children's Board is involved
are:
consultations carried out through the U-Report platform https://romania.ureport.in on various topics concerning children and young people from Romania;
involvement in the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative as part of the
"Romania for Every Child" project Ensuring Social Inclusion -Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Exclusion for Romania's Most Vulnerable Children;
raising awareness about the importance of mental health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine;
promoting media education among teenagers, together with UNICEF in Romania and the Center for Independent Journalism;
involvement in the process of conducting the Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in Romania;
participation in the creation and implementation of the Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Children's Rights 2022-2027, as well as the National Action Plan for the implementation of the Child Guarantee;
highlighting international days dedicated to children, such as June 1st and International Children's Rights Day, on the 20th of November.
Question 9: What skills have you developed through your work with the UNICEF Child Board?
Answer: I truly learned to be grateful for what I have. For me, being selected
was a validation of who I am and an appreciation of the small initiatives I
had before the Children’s Board supported by UNICEF. This validation
transformed me, a 14-year-old boy back then, who helped a few children
with food, clothing, and school supplies, into a 16-year-old teenager who
reads more about global crises, and is concerned about the global
situation of children. Personally, everything that happens to me and around me is extraordinary, and I deeply appreciate it. I try to learn something from
every meeting, every message or project received and to always strive
to be better and more prepared.
Question 10: How do you see the role of young people evolving in organizations like UNICEF?
Answer: We, as young people, know best what are the problems we face.
Together we have a voice that sometimes becomes strong, but adults
are the ones who decide our future. In order to achieve results, we must
be well-prepared, credible and always present at important discussions
and trust that our future will be carefully prepared.
Question 11: What advice would you give to other young people who want to get involved in advocacy and humanitarian work?
Answer: To get involved in humanitarian work, start by finding a cause you're passionate about such as education, health or climate change. Look for
opportunities to engage through school clubs, local organizations or
global organizations like UNICEF. Take initiative if you don't see existing
opportunities and remember that small actions can make a big
difference. Be patient, persistent, and surround yourself with supportive,
like-minded people. Keep learning and stay committed to making
positive change.
Question 12: Who are your role models, and how have they influenced your work with UNICEF?
Answer: One important role model is Michael Jordan. He once said, "I can
accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
Another important role model for me is the Principal of the Romanian-
Finnish High School, Ms. Alina Dumitrache. Through the humanitarian
projects that she regularly propose for the students of the school, her
volunteering and her education focused on charity, kindness and
goodwill, Ms. Dumitrache has shaped in me a character oriented
towards helping others. Alina is a role model not only for me but also for
the 800 schoolmates for my high school.
The people in my family are also my role models and those from whom I
constantly learn.
More of Nicholas:
His instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholas.carstoiu?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Dear Nicholas, thank you so much for allowing me to interview you and learn about UNICEF’s initiatives, and the ideas I’m certain you will succesfully kickstart and implement, leading the next generations of change makers.
Dear Wholesome reader, I really hope you enjoyed this Wholesome interview, and if you have any suggestions to improve, I would love to see what feedback you have for me! Please leave me a comment at the end of this article to let me know what you think, and thank you to those of you who have already shared your thoughts with me via the comment feature or privately.
Sending virtual hugs and lots of happiness your way! 🧸 🌻 🤪
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