Alexis Clarke, Director of Programs and Development
Last week, we marked National Child Protection Week, an event organised and promoted by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN). NAPCAN promotes child abuse prevention research and supports the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. The overarching message of the week, ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go,’ emphasised the importance of providing a safe and supported life for every child, both now and into the future.
This is not a new idea for us at Kuyper. Part of our founding Mission Statement says,
We recognise the worth and uniqueness of each individual and provide a cooperative environment that seeks to develop the whole child so that each one may grow in their relationship with God and serve Him.
Just as God knows and loves each of us individually, we seek to understand and value each of our students in a way that provides them with a supportive environment that enables them to grow and learn as God’s people in His place.
To complement this message, National Child Protection Week also highlights a specific theme each year to focus on critical aspects of child safety and wellbeing. This year’s theme, ‘Every conversation matters,’ shines a spotlight on the power of communication as a tool for keeping children and young people safe and well.
Conversations are powerful. They are the building blocks of trust, understanding, and connection, all essential to a child’s sense of safety and security. National Child Protection Week is a reminder for us all to start new and meaningful conversations. Whether these conversations occur between children and their caregivers, among peers, within families, with professionals like teachers or doctors, or between friends and neighbours, each dialogue plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our children.
This message is a timely reminder in a world increasingly dominated by technology, where in-person conversations are becoming less frequent. We must remember to talk to our children, listen to them, and engage in discussions that foster a sense of safety, belonging, and wellbeing.
As Christians, it is also good to remember that God has taken the time to communicate with us. God has given us His word, an ongoing dialogue between Himself and humanity. He speaks through His Word, and we respond through faith, obedience, and, sometimes, questioning. Conversations in the Bible are essential for revealing God’s will, teaching moral lessons, and guiding the narratives of both the Old and New Testaments. Through these dialogues, we see how God communicates His plans, offers guidance, and shapes the spiritual journey of His people. Communicating with our Heavenly Father provides a strong foundation for communicating with one another and our children.
Parents have a crucial responsibility to teach their children, and at Kuyper, we partner with you in this. Open and honest conversations between adults and children send the message that your children can always talk to you and that you’ll listen no matter what.
Our words, your words, my words, can make a difference. Every conversation, no matter how small, matters. Through these conversations, we can build stronger, safer communities for our children now and for future generations.
Parent resources: Parents | eSafety Commissioner