Advocacy in action: How a children’s committee is helping our youngest citizens take the lead

By Anmol Lohia and Tania Chung 

At HazelGrove Early Education, children are not only active learners—they are advocates, decision-makers, and contributors to a safer, more inclusive world. Through our Children’s Committee and a series of child-led projects, our young citizens are proving that even the smallest voices can spark meaningful change. 

As Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) reminds us: “Children have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions that affect them and to have their opinions taken into account.” 

At HazelGrove, this was woven into our celebrations for Children’s Week (18-26 October). This year’s theme was based on the UNCRC Article 42 “Everyone should know about children’s rights” and we commemorated this with the children creating a poster titled ‘Our Voices Matter’, something we feel strongly about.

From conversation to action 

HazelGrove Children’s Committee was born on 17 April 2025. With clipboards in hand, the children and educators gathered to yarn in our central playground. In true Reggio-inspired style, the minutes of this meeting weren’t written—they were drawn by the children. Photos were captured by the children themselves using child-sized cameras, skills they had developed as part of their ongoing Communities project.

The meeting agenda was set by a child who was inspired by Lilo & Stitch, a movie she had recently watched at home. Her question became the heart of the discussion: 

How can we protect children without taking them away from their families?

This thoughtful, heartfelt inquiry sparked deep conversations and creative brainstorming among the group. 

In the weeks that followed, the committee continued meeting regularly, turning their attention to keeping everyone safe within our service. Together with Anmol, our Operations Manager, and other staff members, the children conducted a safety inspection of the playground, compiling a pictorial outdoor compliance checklist. This hands-on investigation not only developed their sense of ownership, leadership, and belonging but also encouraged critical thinking about safety, danger, and how to reduce risks. 

The very next morning, the children eagerly used their checklist to assess the outdoor environment. Buckets in hand, they scanned for hazards such as sharp sticks or rubbish, discussing what makes a space safe for everyone. Talking, thinking, and taking action became second nature as they worked alongside their educators. 

Making children’s voices visible 

During National Child Protection Week, the HazelGrove Children’s Committee took their advocacy further. Led by Tania, our Educational Leader and Pre-school Room Leader, the conversation turned to a key question: 

“We’re protecting all the children and learning how to support each other—but how will people who aren’t here know?” 

• One child quickly responded, “We can show them.” 

• Another added, “Maybe with some signs outside—like at the fire drill place.” 

Inspired, the children gathered their peers to create their own messages, deciding together to display the signs near the pot plant area—“so everyone walking past will see,” as one child remarked. 

This thoughtful action highlights the children’s understanding that advocacy is more than speaking up—it’s about ensuring their messages are seen, noticed, and understood. Their handmade signs now stand as visible symbols of protection, reminding all who enter HazelGrove that child safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

Through these meetings and projects, HazelGrove children are exploring social justice, fairness, and inclusion while developing confidence, compassion, resilience, and leadership. Their journey shows us that meaningful change often begins with the voices of our youngest citizens. 

About the authors: 

Anmol Lohia is the Operations Director at HazelGrove Early Education Centre and a passionate advocate for early childhood education and lifelong learning. With over 19 years of leadership experience, the services she has led have been rated Exceeding and recognised by the NSW Parliament in 2023. Anmol holds degrees in Early Childhood Teaching and Commerce and has lectured at university and TAFE, inspiring and mentoring future educators. 

Tania Chung is an Early Childhood Teacher and Educational Leader at HazelGrove Early Education Centre. She is committed to a Reggio-inspired, inclusive practice and believes deeply in the power of experiential learning. By viewing children as active citizens whose voices and ideas drive meaningful change, she strives to cultivate communities where creativity, agency and belonging can truly flourish.