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World Children’s Day takes place on 20th November and each year the OCO hosts Child Talks to mark the day.
Child Talks is an opportunity for children to tell their own stories, to share their views and to have their say.
The OCO invites children from all over Ireland to take part – those who love talking or those who have never done anything like this before. We work with the young people involved through a series of workshops to help them get ready for the event.
Since Child Talks began in 2018 young have people have talked about lots of different issues – school, disability, period poverty, culture, sexuality, family and lots more. It is completely up to the speakers.
Child Talks 2021
If you want to take part or find out more email communications@oco.ie, send a voicenote to 0871029039 or fill out the Child Talks application form.
Applications close on Wednesday 11th August.
Child Talks 2020
Katherine (16), Charlie (8), Maria (16), Afaf (13), Emer (17), Evan (18), Cuan (10) and India (17) shared their inspiring stories on topics including cultural expression, mental health, homelessness, individuality, looking after our local environment, living with autism, and youth activism.
Child Talks 2020 was hosted by our brilliant past speakers Katie McKenna (19) and Eric Ehigie (19).
Child Talks 2019
Speakers were Lily, (12) from Dublin who talked about personal budgets; Carly (14) from Co.Laois who talked about period poverty; Amina (13) from Dodoma, a central part of Tanzania in East Africa spoke about the challenges she faces as a girl child; Oisin (17) is a wheelchair user with Spina Bifida and an athlete who talked about equity for the disabled community; Ellen (15) from Donegal who talked about climate change; Ryan (15) from Dundalk in Co. Louth who talked about his experience as a young person with a disability; Leanne (17) from Dublin who talked about her relationship with her sister who has a diagnosis of autism; Kate (16) from Wicklow who talked about her chromosomal disorder and Eric (17) from Longford who talked about why he believes that more young people from diverse backgrounds should run for election.
The Kabin Crew, a collective of young rappers and singers with GMCBeats Workshops, supported by Music Generation Cork City performed on the day.
Child Talks 2018
Amy (17) from Co. Sligo talked about how growing up in Ireland as a young Trans person; Aoibheann (12) from Co. Mayo talked about lack of broadband in rural Ireland; Katie (17) from Kilkenny talked about the importance of accepting difference and coming out as a young gay woman; Margaret (14) from Offaly talked about growing up in Ireland as a young Traveller; Fearghal (18) from Dublin talked his love for the creative arts and how it helped him to escape from his boredom in school; Grace (16) from Dublin explained her emotional struggles and the importance of education and Sinead (20) from Galway performed on the day.
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Music Generation
Music Generation is Ireland’s national music education programme operating in 22 cities and counties across Ireland. Music Generation aims to transform the lives of children and young people by creating access to high quality, affordable music tuition in their local areas.
Music Generation has taken part in Child Talks since 2018.
Julien Clancy, Storyteller and Mentor
Julien Clancy is the founder of The Dublin Story School. With nearly 5 years experience in helping people tell personal stories that connect, Julien has worked as storytelling coach with Child Talks since it began in 2017. Through group workshops, one on one coaching and rehearsals, Julien will help participants in Child Talks 2021, find personal stories that matter inspired by the issues they care about.
Press Releases
Ombudsman for Children Office Launch Child Talks 2020
Child Talks 2019 – Children having their say on World Children’s Day
Child Talks; a series of inspiring stories from young people celebrating World Children’s Day
