Sometimes the best ideas come from the youngest people in our community. Recently, I received a letter from Ashleigh Dewhurst, who noticed that some children feel too shy or uncertain to tell a teacher when something is troubling them.
Ashleigh wanted to do something about it. Her idea was for a “voice letterbox” at school, where students could write or draw what’s on their mind and post it privately. Teachers and principals could then read those notes and make sure no child’s concern goes unheard.
I subsequently wrote to our local Men’s Sheds about building these boxes for schools in our area, in addition to reaching out to our local schools to encourage them to take up the initiative.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive so far with Kenthurst, Hornsby-Berowra, North Epping, Hornsby Woodworking and Wisemans Ferry Men’s Sheds committing to building the letterboxes.
I was proud to share Ashleigh’s idea in the Australian Parliament and help bring the community together to begin bringing her idea to life. It’s a reminder that real change can begin with our youngest voices.
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