CELEBRATING THE VOICE OF THE CHILD DURING CHILDREN’S WEEK 2018
Broken Hill’s early childhood education and care sector and child & family services are once again working together to celebrate Children’s Week which is held from 19th - 28th October.
The event will be marked with a day of activities in Sturt Park on Wednesday 24th October where local families can get together and children can play.
Each year the Children’s Week Council of Australia selects as the theme of the week a children’s right from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) of which Australia is a signatory.
This year the committee has chosen Article 12 - which supports a child’s right to have their voice heard on matters that affect them.
Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Bob Davis, said the theme acknowledges children’s fundamental right to be part of decisions that affect them.
“It respects children, along with adults, as citizens who have a stake in what happens in their lives now and in the future.
“This brings children in to social, economic, political and importantly cultural debates and challenges us all to learn new ways of listening to children, and recognising their unique contribution to building their communities around them.
“At Maari Ma we place a lot of emphasis on the early years and we utilise strategies to include the voice of children in our work.
“We want to see children in the Far West have opportunities and develop to their full potential by being able to access quality programs.
“The event at Sturt Park will showcase children and their voices and we are encouraging as many families as possible to come along and join with local service providers for a great time.’ Mr Davis said.
The day is free of charge and starts at 9.am Wednesday 24th October, and will continue to around midday.
There will be a variety of activities from art and craft and play dough to story telling and healthy eating tips.
A free morning tea and water will be included and parents will have the opportunity to meet and talk to staff at different agencies about how they can further support their children and family’s wellbeing.
ENDS
17th October 2018
Available for interview about Children’s Week Day and Maari Ma Playgroup
Maari Ma Early Years Project Officer, Leeann Adams
8082 9888