Contributions due 5 May for 2021 Child Protection Week artwork campaign

Children’s art contributions for the NAPCAN 2021 Child Protection week campaign are due on 5 May, offering early childhood education and care (ECEC) services a unique opportunity to elevate the issue of childhood abuse and neglect within their communities. 

 

The 2021 artwork prompt is What should our neighbourhood look like? The prompt supports discussions which will be led by NAPCAN during Child Protection Week (5-11 September) during which the advocate organisation will be sharing messages about the need to treat all of Australia’s children fairly, by making sure that every neighbourhood has what they need to thrive and be healthy.

 

Children’s artworks will be used in the campaign to highlight that protecting children is about working together as a community.

 

“We hope to see artworks that are based on meaningful conversations with the children and young people themselves,” a spokesperson said. 

 

Educators are asked to speak with children about their neighbourhoods, and then give some support for the children to create in whatever medium they prefer.

 

“You know your children best,” NAPCAN noted, “so please feel free to guide your own conversation. The following are just suggestions to get you started.”

 

• Tell the children: “We want to learn more about what things YOU think are most important in making the place where you live great for your family.”
• Explain that it’s not just up to mums and dads to make sure you grow up healthy and well; it’s also up to the whole community to make sure that every family has the things they need.

 

For example, educators may talk about what things make life easier for grownups and children e.g. if they have jobs and enough money, if they don’t have to drive a long way to school or work, if there are fun free things to do like going to the park, if they have childcare and good schools, if they have healthy shops, and if they have friendly neighbours.

 

While NAPCAN encourages educators to use their own line of questioning, the following prompts have been given as an example: 

 

– What are the things you like most about your neighbourhood (or what would be in your dream neighbourhood)?

– Where do you like to go for fun with your family or friends e.g. park, library, sport, pool?

– What things in the neighbourhood are important for your parents, or other members of your family?

– What, or who, do you like to see as you walk around? (e.g. flowers, pets, other kids, friends, neighbours, favourite shops)

– What other things do we all need in a neighbourhood e.g. schools, houses, jobs, roads, doctors etc)

In return, NAPCAN can offer:  

– A certificate of thanks for participating organisations

– Display of artworks on the NAPCAN website

– Limited number of small prizes for entries received before 5 May.

 

Artwork should be created on A3 paper or larger, with digital photos emailed to [email protected]  with a short description of who created the artwork (individual and/or collaborative) what they drew and why.

 

A flyer has been created for further information, and may be accessed here.