Hope is Huge!
This is what the scientific research done by Positive Psychology experts tells us. But what is it, the definition of hope is, put simply, “to look on the future positively, to see opportunity in challenges (rather than challenges in opportunities), to “look on the bright side of life.”
Background
In 2017 children and young people in regional centres talked about the importance of feeling proud of where they lived, feeling good about what was around them and how visitors perceived them. I heard that they didn’t necessarily want to leave their towns when they were older, but many felt there would be more opportunities available to them if they did.
In 2018 I want to understand the hopes and dreams of South Australia’s children and young people living in regional areas and what do they need to realise them?
To achieve this I have set an ambitious target visiting 10 regions in 10 months. In each region I will hold consultations with children and young people to hear individually about their hopes and dreams. I will explore the concept of hope and talk about what young people think they need to help realise their dreams.
I will continue meeting with diverse groups of children and young people and share emerging themes with local leadership to build strong relationships between children and young people and local decision makers.
To ensure these sessions are representative of the diversity of regional views I require the support of organisations/groups to either encourage attendance at sessions, facilitate access to children and young people, or any other ways you feel you can best support the involvement of decision makers to connect to children and young people.
If you want to know more or to find the schedule of our visits please look at our website.
https://www.ccyp.com.au/
If you want to discuss ways to get involved please contact the Office of the Commissioner for Children and Young People at commissionerCYP@sa.gov.au
