General News
26 June, 2022
Child Protection Education In Cairns Major Milestone
G8 Education’s early learning centres in Far North Queensland reached a major milestone on Friday, June 17 – educating 1,000 local children in important personal safety lessons through a partnership with Bravehearts.
The milestone was reached at Pelican’s in the City One Centre, as the team and children welcomed Bravehearts’ Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure Show.
The interactive show helps empower children to identify uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, to know what to do if they feel unsafe, and the difference between small and big secrets and which ones are okay to keep.
Bravehearts’ National Education Operations Manager, Emma Petherick, said the ongoing work in G8 Education centres is vital to improve the safety of Australian children.
“Approximately 1 in 5 children will experience child sexual abuse,” Ms Petherick said.
“Due to confidentiality reasons, it is difficult to say exactly how many disclosures are made as a direct result of children seeing this show; however, it’s safe to say that we have current or future survivors in every audience we see.”
It is estimated that 1,000 children in G8 Education early learning centres in Cairns have participated in Bravehearts’ Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure show since it first took to Australian stages.
“Bravehearts continues to provide consultation to support educators to have only positive interactions with our children and the knowledge to pick up on any signs of abuse or neglect which may be occurring,” Ms Petherick said.
G8 Education Chief Operating Officer, Malcolm Ashcroft, said child safety is the company’s highest priority.
“We prioritise creating child-friendly environments where all children are respected, valued and encouraged to reach their potential,” Mr Ashcroft said.
“Our purpose is to create the foundations for learning for life, which extends to the classroom and daily life.”
Every G8 Education centre also has a Child Protection Champion who works to embed practices into centres by supporting and educating team members and promoting a child-safe culture.
The Pelicans in the City One Child Protection Champion, Mayara Rocha, said she leads her team’s participation in ongoing training and monthly focused discussions to ensure everyone is aware of their obligations.
“It is important for us as educators to take the time to reflect and recognise what we are being asked to do about reporting and supporting,” she said.
“I also like to make sure everyone understands why the training is so essential and how it impacts not just children’s safety but also benefits families and the whole community.
“Our educators must be educated and empowered before we can educate our children.”
For more information on Pelicans in the City One, visit, https://bit.ly/3N8FgBT
If you have been affected by child sexual abuse and need support, Bravehearts can help - 1800 272 831 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm AEST) or bravehearts.org.au.
