What Will You Say for Universal Children’s Day?

Teachers and their students, as well as children and parents at home, are warmly invited to have a go at creating their own version of The Ark's Right Here Right Now Rally song, What Will You Say?, in celebration of Universal Children’s Day on Monday 20 November 2023.

Earlier this year as part of The Ark's Right Here Right Now! Festival of Children, we asked Choice Music Prize nominated musicians Elaine Mai and MayKay to write a new song using children's own thoughts and words about their rights as its foundation. The resulting song, What Will You Say? is a powerful rally cry for children's rights inspired by children around the country.

But they couldn’t possibly capture everyone’s ideas in just one song. So now, to celebrate Universal Children's Day, they are opening the invitation to you to make your own version of the song in your class or at home so that more children’s voices can be heard.

Have a listen to the song and find out more information about how you can get involved below.

Listen to What Will You Say? by Elaine Mai and MayKay feat. The Supertones Children's Choir

This project is about celebrating children and it is not about perfection. Join in the fun by creating your own versions of the song and sharing them with us. You can share your creations on social media tagging us @TheArkDublin or email them to us at thearkdublin@gmail.com.

This Universal Children’s Day, we want to celebrate children's voices and highlight what matters to them, so we would love to hear what you have to say!

Watch the short videos below with some helpful tips from Elaine Mai and MayKay to help get you started:

Introduction: What is this project?

Equipment: what you need – hint, you have it already!

Lyric Writing: using your own words and ideas

Artwork: Making posters or other visuals to express what matters to you

Download the art resource below to help you create your own poster, flag or banner in celebration of children's rights, or check out our full Rally for your Rights Activity Pack.

Need more help? We're here for you! If you are stuck or have any questions, drop a line to boxoffice@ark.ie and we’ll do our best to help you out.

We look forward to hearing what you come up with!