The Commissioner for Children and Young People is calling for applications for its online Change Champions program.
The Commissioner, Colin Pettit said more than 800 children and young people had written to him about their experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic, showing their strong desire to be heard and considered in decision-making.
“Children and young people from all walks of life wanted to share their thoughts on how the pandemic affected them to help provide insight to Government and other decision-makers about their needs,” Mr Pettit said.
“Young people are very articulate in expressing their thoughts and ideas about the state of the world around them, and listening to them is vital to getting policy and action right.”
He said he wanted children and young people under the age of 18 to become Change Champions, telling him what they thought needed to be improved in their community.
“I encourage young people to sign up at my website and we will email you once a term to ask for your feedback on an issue of focus,” Mr Pettit said.
“Your views and those of other Change Champions will be used to inform my work with organisations supporting children and young people and will provide the voice of children to decision-makers at all levels to consider in planning for WA’s future.”
He said in 2019 his office surveyed almost 5,000 students and many reported not always feeling a sense of belonging to their community.
“Given that children and young people make up a quarter of the State’s population, it is critical to listen to what they have to say on matters they say are important to them,” Mr Pettit said.
Registration to take part in the Commissioner’s Change Champions program can be accessed at this PS New link.
