Applications open for Children’s Week grants

THE state government is celebrating Victorian children by holding free and fun activities as part of Children’s Week 2018.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos last week invited not-for-profit organisations and local councils to apply for funding to help cover the costs of hosting an activity or event.

Children’s Week will run October 20-28 and is an annual celebration to recognise the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children by offering free activities for Victorian families.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos said that Children’s Week was a terrific celebration of all children across Victoria, which “recognises their talents, skills, achievements as well as their right to learn, be safe and grow up happy and healthy”.

“We want to make Children’s Week 2018 one to remember, which is why we’re supporting local organisations host free activities across the state for families to enjoy.”

Grants of up to $1,000 can be used for costs associated with running an activity such as entertainment, performing artists, craft materials, children’s prizes or administrative costs.

The activity must be offered free to Victorian families with a child aged up to 12 or to early childhood services and schools.

This year’s theme is based on Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children have the right to say what they think should happen and have their opinions taken into account.

Applications close at 5pm on September 7.

For more information, visit education.vic.gov.au/childrensweek.