{"id":5219,"date":"2021-07-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oco.ie\/?p=5219"},"modified":"2026-06-10T13:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T12:34:55","slug":"press-release-the-ombudsman-for-childrens-office-launches-child-talks-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oco.ie\/ga\/news\/press-release-the-ombudsman-for-childrens-office-launches-child-talks-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Press release: The Ombudsman for Children’s Office launches Child Talks 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\nTuesday July 20th 2021<\/strong>\n\nPress release: Applications open for Child Talks 2021<\/strong>\n\n\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nNow in its fourth year, the Ombudsman for Children\u2019s Office is proud to present Child Talks 2021; our annual event where children and young people up to age 18 are given a platform to talk about the issues that matter most to them. This year\u2019s theme is \u2018My Hopes for the Future.\u2019\n\nThe OCO is inviting children from all over Ireland to apply to take part in this year\u2019s event. Child Talks is an opportunity for children to tell their own stories, to share their views and to have their say.\n\nTaking place on November 19th <\/sup>to mark World Children\u2019s Day, Child Talks 2021 will be a hybrid online-physical event streaming live from the RDS in Dublin.\n\nSince Child Talks began in 2018 young have people have talked about lots of different issues \u2013 school, disability, period poverty, culture, sexuality, family and lots more. It is completely up to the speakers.\n\nSpeaking on the importance of elevating children\u2019s voices, Dr. Niall Muldoon said:\n\n\u201cThe past 18 months has highlighted the importance of hearing children\u2019s voices and their concerns. Child Talks gives us a real insight into the problems and issues children are facing and helps us to get a better understanding of their world. At a time where children\u2019s voices have often been forgotten, Child Talks gives young people a unique platform to share their story, vision, and hopes for the future.\n\n\u201cWe want to hear from children from all over the country and from all backgrounds. We also want to hear from children with disabilities or those who may need additional supports. There is no need to worry if you have never spoken in public, we will help you and work with you.\n\n\u201cChild Talks has changed over the past four years, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the message and value has remained the same. Child Talks gives our speakers the confidence and courage to speak up about the issues that matter to them and find the value in their voice.\u201d\n\nKatherine Amusan from Co Dublin who took part in Child Talks 2020, encouraged children and young people to send in their application.\n\n\u201cMy story last year was about my hair and coming to terms with my identity. My culture is something to be proud of and I spoke last year about how I don\u2019t need to separate my African culture from being born and raised in Ireland. Participating in Child Talks and getting to tell my story was a very liberating experience and it really grew my confidence.\u201d\n\n\u201cI would tell anyone thinking of applying to go for it. You don\u2019t need to have a fully fleshed out story \u2013 it can just be a thought or a spark \u2013 anything you are passionate about. You get so much help along the way. It is an amazing opportunity to get a platform you would not normally get.\u201d\n\nPrevious participant Emer Neville from Co Tipperary said: \u201cI loved taking part last year and would encourage any young person to apply. Go for it. It is an opportunity that you won\u2019t forget. The whole team at the OCO are so helpful and encouraging so don\u2019t hold yourself back. Everyone has an interesting story to tell and you will get all the help that you need. Even if you only have a concept or a small idea they will help you to grow it and develop it. I have made some great friends from taking part and would recommend it to anyone.\u201d\n\nTo take part or find out more email communications@oco.ie, send a voicenote to 0871029039 or visit www.oco.ie<\/a>\n\nApplications close at 5pm on Wednesday August 11th.\n\nENDS<\/strong>\n\nNote to Editors:<\/strong>\n