International Women’s Day 2026: Balancing the Scales for Carers and Children
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions women make across our communities every day. It’s time to balance the scales for carers.
Breaking Barriers: Listening to Young Voices in OzChild’s TFCA Program
In the lead up to World Care Day 2026 with the theme Breaking Barriers, we asked 11-year-old Lucky* (a nickname chosen by the child), to share his thoughts about why it’s important for children to have a say in programs that are designed for them.
“The biggest barrier sometimes is that kids do not feel comfortable at first… and when something negative happens, it can affect how the child feels, and it builds another barrier.”
Lucky describes himself as “funny, kind and a problem solver” and said he was ‘excited’ about being able to share his thoughts on the program with the team.
He says being heard matters, so adults can understand how children feel and experience care.
“It’s important. To help the program be better, change some rules and improve it.”
Lucky is keen to meet regularly with the TFCA Program Supervisor to share what he thinks works well and what could be changed a little, using his own experiences to help ensure other children feel safe and more comfortable.
Looking ahead, Lucky is especially excited about the positive impact of sharing his perspective for younger children in the program.
“I’m most excited about helping young kids,” he said. “Helping them be more excited for things… and helping them thrive in learning respect, kindness and resilience.”
Michelle Van Doorn, Executive Director Services & Practice at OzChild, said OzChild is appreciative of Lucky’s openness and willingness to share his perspective.
“We’re really grateful to Lucky, who has generously shared his thoughts and experiences with us” Michelle said. “At 11 years old, he brings a thoughtful and honest perspective about what matters to children and we value the time he has spent talking with our TFCA team members.”
Michelle says that OzChild will continue to empower children and young people to have a greater say on decisions which affect them, by creating opportunities for meaningful participation and feedback.
“Listening to children is an important part of our work at OzChild and Lucky’s reflections help us think more carefully about how our programs are experienced from a child’s point of view. His contribution is one of many ways we learn, grow, and stay connected to the voices of children and families in the work we do.”
This World Care Day, we celebrate Lucky and the powerful difference a young voice can make. We can break down barriers when we listen to children and young people and work together to clear a path for them to succeed.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the young people we support. “Lucky” is the name chosen by this young person when we asked him to select his own nickname.
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