At Gowrie NSW, we believe in fostering children's sense of agency and civic responsibility, encouraging them to become active participants in their community. Recently, one of our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services took this to heart by forming a children's Charity Group. Their journey has been an inspiring testament to the power of young minds working together for a greater cause. Here's how these children turned their passion into action and made a real impact.
Sparking an idea - How the charity group was born
Curiosity and compassion sparked an idea... and from that idea, a charity group was formed! During their first meeting, the group explored one essential question: Who can we help? This simple, yet powerful inquiry led to rich discussions. The children reflected on global issues such as war, poverty, cancer, and sustainability. It was impressive, and powerful to note their awareness of the world, and ideas were pouring in on how to support both people, and animals in need.
After considering various causes, the children decided to collaborate with the charity "Save the Children." From that moment on, the focus shifted to how they could raise funds and make a difference.
Weekly meetings - nurturing leadership and decision making
Once the cause was chosen, the weekly Charity Group meetings became a hub of creative energy. The children came up with a range of fundraising ideas, including a cake stall, concert, art and craft stall, sausage sizzle, and Christmas raffle. These weren't just fun activities — they were a reflection of the children's ability to plan, organise, and lead.
From deciding what to sell to setting prices and advertising the event, the children took the reins. They began developing crucial skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and financial literacy — all while working towards their goal of supporting a worthy cause.
The cake stall - a sweet success!
On the 4th of September 2024, the Charity Group hosted its very first event: a cake stall. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as the children set up their stall, served customers, and handled transactions. Their dedication paid off, with the event raising an incredible $500 for Save the Children.
The charity was so grateful for the children's contribution that they awarded them with a certificate of appreciation — a tangible reminder of the impact their efforts had made.
Planning the next event!
With the success of the cake stall behind them, the children are now eagerly preparing for their next fundraising event: a concert scheduled for October. This event will showcase the diverse talents of the children, from singing and dancing to comedy and gymnastics. The children are not only performers but also event organisers, taking responsibility for selling tickets and snacks, and even hosting the show.
This hands-on involvement gives the children a true sense of ownership over the event, enhancing their confidence and leadership skills.
Empowering children to make a difference
The formation of the Charity Group and their ongoing efforts highlight the importance of giving children agency in their learning and development. By participating in real-world problem-solving and community service, they are learning that their actions can have a positive impact. More than that, they are discovering the power of collaboration, civic engagement, and compassion.
At Gowrie NSW, we are so proud to see our children stepping into these leadership roles and contributing to causes they care about. It’s moments like these that show how empowering children with opportunities to participate in their community can shape them into thoughtful, active citizens.
Together, we can continue to nurture a generation of young leaders who understand that they have the power to change the world — one small act of kindness at a time.
