Lumen Spring Summer 2023 - Flipbook - Page 7
“I learned about Children’s University
during our assembly,” Dua says. “Sally, the
speaker, described the program, and I was
immediately enthralled.”
Dua signed up for the Children’s University
Passport to Volunteering program designed to
help high-school students gain leadership
and communication skills through
volunteering opportunities.
“Before I started with Children’s University,
I didn’t like to try new things or new
experiences,” Dua says. “But the program
helped me gain so much confidence. I was
even brave enough to try for my first job
at McDonald’s and I’ve continued working
ever since while I study.”
Children’s University was initially founded
to support young people on their learning
journeys because, unlike Dua, not every
child has a clear picture of what their future
might hold.
Although many of us would like to believe
that higher education is accessible for
everyone – regardless of geographical
location, situation, or background – that’s
not always the case. It can be difficult for
some young people to envision a future at
university, particularly if no one in their
family has ever attended one.
This is where Children’s University steps
in, to educate young people about future
possibilities. In 2023 the initiative is
celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
“The program was officially launched in
October 2013, and in the decade since
Children’s University has grown from
collaborating with just one participating
school to working with 164 schools across
South Australia, and more than 518 schools
nationally,” says Kiri Hagenus, Managing
Director of Children’s University.
field trips, visiting locations such as
museums, gardens, wildlife sanctuaries
and libraries.
“Every learning destination should have a
link to higher education,” explains Kiri. “For
instance, a visit to a sports club will include
information about sports engineering,
physiotherapy, management, teaching,
and sciences, just to name a few.”
Every year, her staff hosts graduation
ceremonies at the grand Bonython Hall on
the University of Adelaide North Terrace
campus. Proud parents attend in droves.
In a mirror of real higher education
graduations – complete with speeches,
certificates, and fancy robes – the kids
receive a fun taste of university life and
experience what it might feel like to achieve
their academic dreams.
Dua has volunteered her time on multiple
occasions to act as Master of Ceremonies
for these graduations.
“It was my first experience of getting up
and speaking in front of a big crowd,” she
says. “Once I’d achieved it, I felt really good
about myself.”
Children’s University Australasia and Africa
is managed by the University of Adelaide
and has grown into an immensely successful
initiative.
“Our program has supported 28,429 young,
happy participants to graduate across
metropolitan and regional Australia,” says
Kiri. “It’s about changing young people’s
lives and showing them how to carve a new
future in ways they may have previously not
thought possible.”
For Dua, the merits of Children’s University
are clear. As she draws near the end of her
degree and her transition into professional
practice, she credits the program for the
positive impact it has had on her life.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to become
more socially aware and gain experience
in the community. I strongly believe that
participating has helped me grow towards
adulthood.”
“It’s about changing young
people’s lives and showing
them how to carve a
new future in ways they
may have previously not
thought possible.”
Dua hopes a new generation of kids will be
inspired by Children’s University to pursue
their dreams.
“Education is important,” she says. “It
opens doors to different opportunities in
life. It helps you grow.”
And every young person deserves to grow.
To learn more about Children’s University and
support its initiatives, visit: cuaustralasia.com
Poppy Nwosu is Media Officer for the
University of Adelaide and also a published
author of multiple novels.
“Children’s University, in essence, is a
widening participation initiative that focuses
on inspiring students to think about their
futures differently. The ultimate aim is to
encourage more students, particularly from
marginalised communities, to apply and
enrol in higher education.
“Essentially, we want to build the paths and
remove the roadblocks so that every child
and young person has the opportunity to
succeed on their learning journey.”
In addition to the Passport to Volunteering
program – which Dua praises so highly
– Children’s University also presents a
Passport to Learning initiative.
Designed for primary school students,
children are invited to take part in fun
learning activities and knowledge-gathering
Dua Anees inside the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building
LUMEN – SPRING/SUMMER 2023 7
