Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practice their religion

The 2026 Children's Week theme, drawn from Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), reminds us that every child has the right to belong. Children should feel safe and proud to speak their home language, share their cultural traditions and express who they are.

As educators, families and community members, we play an important role in creating environments where children's identities are not only acknowledged but celebrated every day.

Children's Week is an opportunity to recognise children as active citizens with voices, rights and contributions that matter. Across the ACT, communities come together to celebrate childhood through meaningful experiences that promote inclusion, participation and belonging.

The ACT Children's Week Committee is proud to support these celebrations through the 2026 Children's Week Grants Program. Small grants of approximately $200 are available to individuals, schools, early childhood services and community organisations to assist in delivering Children's Week-related events and activities. Applicants do not require an ABN or be affiliated with an incorporated organisation to apply, making the grants accessible to grassroots community initiatives.

Applications open on 1 July and close on 11 September 2026, with successful applicants notified by 30 September. Eligible events can take place between 13 October and 2 November 2026. Whether you're planning a cultural celebration, storytelling experience, art display or an event that amplifies children's voices, we encourage you to bring your ideas to life.

Children's Week is also a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the people making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. The ACT Children's Week Awards are non-competitive awards that simply provide an opportunity to say "thank you".

Nominations are open from 1 July until 5.00 pm on Friday, 11 September 2026 and require just 300 words or less. Individuals and organisations are welcome to submit multiple nominations.

This year's award categories include:

• Outstanding Youth Contribution Award
• Intergenerational Award
• Community Impact & Connection Award
• Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children Award
• Innovation Award
• Children's Week Theme Award, recognising outstanding commitment to ensuring children can use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion with pride and safety.

There are extraordinary people in our communities whose kindness, leadership and dedication often go unrecognised. Children's Week provides an opportunity to celebrate their contributions and acknowledge the impact they have on children's lives.

As we prepare for Children's Week 2026, I encourage educators, services and community organisations across the ACT to reflect on what belonging looks like for the children in your community. How are children's languages, cultures and identities represented? How are their voices being heard? And how might we create even more opportunities for children to share who they are with pride?

Whether you apply for a grant, nominate a changemaker or host a Children's Week event, every contribution helps strengthen our collective commitment to children's rights.

Together, let's celebrate every child's right to belong.

For more details about ACT Children’s Week, and our Grants and Awards Programmes go to: https://www.actchildrensweek.org.au/.

Author

Farah Junaid, ACT Children’s Week Committee