Why we all need to learn from children
* Originally published in The Hills Echo Apr 21 edition.
I sit on the committee of my son’s kindergarten, Willmore Community Kindergarten & Preschool, and it is one of those places that every time you enter, you come away with a little piece of magic. Willmore is not just a kindergarten in the community, but a kindergarten for the community, enhancing the voices of young people to support and care for our community. My three-year old son, Coen, tells me that he shows the teachers and children how to do things that they don’t know. He is so proud of himself that he knows really important things and gets to share his knowledge with others. He is listened to. He has a voice.
I have been writing for the Hills Echo for about six months and I was drawn to The Hills Echo because of their ethos of supporting our community. I have met many amazing women in the community, but here at The Hills Echo is a whirlwind of ideas, knowledge, and community spirit. This month The Hills Echo is launching, The Little Echo, giving our youngest citizens a big voice.
This is a big moment.
Young people from kindergartens, schools, and organisations, like Willmore, will be given a platform to share their voices with the community through The Little Echo. This is the start of something powerful and meaningful in our community.
I personally have heard stories of resilience, empathy and understanding from children that have really made me stop, think, and make a change.
My niece, Chloe, describes her talents as being nature, drawing and love, and she enjoys new experiences when she is brave. She really wants other children to know that you can love and be proud of your autism and most of all, you can be yourself. I want everyone to hear her message.
My nephew, Jake, and his nine-year-old friends are planning to grow their hair for two years, for Shave for a Cure, to help children and people who have Leukaemia. I want everyone to know that there are children like these boys that not only think about soccer and Minecraft but also about how to make the world a better place.
So, I say watch this space and I call on everyone to join me in:
Consulting with children and young people in all your projects and policies.
Taking the time to free our own voices, as an example to our young people.
Talking to children and young people about the really important things and stop for a moment to really listen.