CQUniversity Gladstone recently hosted the Communities for Children professional forum. This conference provided a unique opportunity for professionals, from a range of fields, to meet and discuss issues of concern for all children in the Gladstone region. Over the course of the three-day conference, participants were involved in a series of lectures, presented by keynote speakers, as well as a range of practical, interactive workshops.

Kyle Stein (right) with VC Scott Bowman and other students involved in the Gladstone forum. Bernice Robertson is left, Stacey Caldwell is second from right and Kristine Kennedy (not pictured) was also involved

By Bachelor of Learning Management student Kyle Stein*

As part of my studies this term I have learnt about the importance of leadership and advocacy in the field of early childhood education and care. During this course, I have had the pleasure of working alongside my early childhood colleagues as we represented children's voices, at the forum, by organising an exhibition of their artwork.

CQUniversity Gladstone's advanced learning management students recently organised and created an Exhibition of Children's Art, helping kids to illustrate their vision for a child-friendly community.  The project was an assignment for their course on Advocacy,Leadership and Change in Early Childhood and also complemented the annual Communities for Children (C4C) Professional Forum being hosted at Gladstone Campus from May 27-29.

My colleagues and I were present at the opening ceremony, on Thursday night, and we were overwhelmed by the positive feedback received from professionals, who viewed the exhibition. Walking people through the exhibit and seeing how they took the time to reflect on the children's artwork was an incredibly gratifying experience.

Through my involvement in organising this exhibition, with my colleagues, I have gained great appreciation for the importance of building partnerships with other professionals in the community. After all, the exhibition would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of various centres, kindergartens and schools in the Gladstone region.

More highlights from the event. LINK HERE for LARGER IMAGE

The Communities for Children Forum was an incredibly informative experience. I appreciated being provided with the opportunity to contribute my opinions to professional discussions about the future of the Gladstone community. It was interesting to note that I could contribute, as many of the early childhood courses in my degree have already covered many of the topics of the forum. The conference was also an excellent opportunity to build networks with professionals, from a range of fields within the region, which I will be sure to utilise during my career.    

After attending the conference I realise how fortunate we are to live in a community that is so dedicated to the health and wellbeing of children.

LINK HERE to Education students enable artful tribute to child-friendly community

* Kyle Stein is in third year and is one of the relatively few males in the State who have opted for the early childhood specialisation in an education degree.