The Child Rights Song, by the Lörrach UNICEF Group: A Contribution by Ute Deseniss-Gros

Christine Langen, head of the UNICEF Lörrach Group, with die Kids Gruppe

Since my retirement mid 2002 I have been cooperating with the UNICEF Groups in Weil-Lörrach. I continue to do so even after I moved to Berlin for health reason. In Berlin, I am near to my two sons and their families.

UNICEF Germany relies entirely on groups of volunteers. These UNICEF groups are found in more than 170 cities, with about 8000 volunteers, all over Germany.

Since 2005, Christine Langen heads the UNICEF Working Group in Lörrach. The group has 70 members; they are organised in a kids group (8-12 years), the junior ambassador group (13-17 years), students (18+ years) and the adult group. They work together, though often pursue different activities tailored to their audiences.

The Lörrach Group has very strongly supported the awareness campaigns for the release of our dear former colleague Baquer Namazi.

This year the Lörrach Group celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special event for children by children. The theme of the event has been „MY TALENT FOR UNICEF“.

About 125 children have been showing their skills in singing, dancing, comedy, poetry slams, ansd music. The event was hosted by the local High School, and the auditorium was packed with more than 300 children, their parents and dignitaries. The entrance was free, the local bakery donated Brezels, and the grocery contributed bottled water. It lasted three hours and became an unforgettable event thanks to the wonderful organization by the local UNICEF Volunteers.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the CHILD RIGHTS SONG.

The song presents the Convention of the Rights of a Child.

It was a long journey to its creation and recording, which was made possible by the enthusiasm, creative ideas, initiatives and persistence of the Lörrach volunteers. The conductor of the local choir composed the music. Christine Langen was able to interest a film producer and recording studio in the project. All collaborators worked free of charge.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Germany has shown interest to share it with schools across Germany, together with didactic material. We hope that it will contribute to a better understanding of Child Rights among students, children in general, and teachers and parents.

For now, the song is in German language. Christine Langen plans to produce an English version for wider dissemination, and greater acceptance and realisation of Child Rights everywhere.

Christine Langen is a Member of the steering committee of the “Child-friendly Cities Initiative” in Germany. The city of Weil has been the first Child Friendly City in Germany.

Click here for some photos and descriptions of activities by the Lörrach Group, which I have shared in the past. These are mainly advocacy and fundraising events, such as concerts, exhibitions, presentations in schools, conferences, running events, all in support of children caught up in crisis and wars.