Audio By Carbonatix
Fifteen-year-old Cameroonian Divina Maloum has won a children's international peace prize for her work with young people who have suffered extremist violence, particularly in the north of her country.
The prize was awarded by Dutch organisation KidsRights, which says it wants children to be recognised for their efforts to improve their own situation. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg also won the award alongside Ms Maloum.
In 2014, the Cameroonian teenager founded the Children for Peace movement to work with child victims of terror.
She goes to communities to talk to children about their rights and tell them that they do not have to be drawn into the violence.
Boko Haram - which is based in Nigeria - has been carrying out attacks over the border in Cameroon since 2014.
The group often recruit children - particularly girls - to carry out attacks. A video produced by KidsRights shows Ms Maloum warning young Cameroonians not to get involved.
She can be seen displaying a cartoon, with the title "I'm not a hero when I carry bombs", which shows a young girl refusing to wear a suicide vest.
Ms Maloum has "organised an inter-community children's peace camp, established peace clubs in mosques, and together with other children, made a children's declaration against violent extremism", KidsRights says.
Accepting the award in The Hague on Wednesday, she said that "to end violence and build peace we need children" and she dedicated her award "to all children who are suffering atrocities due to war".
She wrapped up her speech saying: "I invite my fellow children around the world to stand up for their rights."
Ms Maloum has "organised an inter-community children's peace camp, established peace clubs in mosques, and together with other children, made a children's declaration against violent extremism", KidsRights says.
Accepting the award in The Hague on Wednesday, she said that "to end violence and build peace we need children" and she dedicated her award "to all children who are suffering atrocities due to war".
She wrapped up her speech saying: "I invite my fellow children around the world to stand up for their rights."DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
I assure Otumfuo, Mahama will join him to commission KNUST Teaching Hospital by end of this year – Haruna Iddrisu
9 minutes -
Gov’t to roll out free special education for persons with disabilities from July 1 – Education Minister
31 minutes -
“We used it to test our officiating officials’ readiness” – Bawah Fuseini after CAA Athletics event
58 minutes -
Volleyball emerges as Ghana’s fastest rising sport
1 hour -
National Sports Fund needs strong leadership from the top – Administrator David Wuaku
1 hour -
JoySports Exclusive: Steve McLaren in talks with GFA after expressing interest in Black Stars job
1 hour -
Fire guts auto parts warehouse at Bubuashie, one fire officer injured
2 hours -
I owe my victory to coach Ofori Asare – Allotey after winning WBA Africa Gold Super Flyweight belt
2 hours -
Church of Pentecost supports over 2,000 BECE candidates in Obuasi with career guidance seminar
3 hours -
Brandon Asante and Coventry all but promoted to Premier League despite Sheffield Wednesday draw
4 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Late Kwartemaa strike downs Hearts in Tema
4 hours -
Ghana Faces Sierra Leone Moment as Prosecutorial Powers come under strain
4 hours -
Don’t consume fish or seafood from Tema Shipyard until further notice – FDA warns
4 hours -
Why volunteering might be Africa’s most underrated career accelerator
4 hours -
ActionAid Ghana raises concern over gender gaps in Feed Ghana Programme
4 hours