With more than 30 education projects in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, ChildFund Australia believes investing in quality education is critical to bringing about lasting change in the lives of children and their communities.
With closures to schools, learning spaces, and restrictions on gatherings, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about disruptions to education for children around the world. It has accelerated inequalities faced by vulnerable children and young people living in rural areas, particularly girls and those with disabilities. ChildFund has had to adjust the way it delivers its projects to help ensure children can continue learning.
The COVID-19 crisis has compelled ChildFund to consider new opportunities, and five key priorities for education now and into the future:
1. Innovate our approach to education
With many schools being forced to close, children’s access to education has been disrupted. ChildFund has had to look for new strategies and approaches to ensure children can continue to learn during this time, such as distributing home learning kits, supporting teachers virtually, helping to set up small community classes (as pictured above in Cambodia), and introducing technology to schools.
2. Continue working with local partner organisations
Access to the remote places where we work has been difficult and we have had to rely heavily on local partner organisations to ensure activities continue to be implemented. These partners have close access to communities and know the context well. ChildFund hopes to continue to strengthen relationships and to build the capacity of these local partners by working and learning alongside them.
3. Ensure children can return safely to school
As schools reopen, there is a risk that many children, particularly girls and children living with a disability, may not return to school because of economic reasons, early marriage or fear for their safety. ChildFund has been working closely with schools to address barriers, to encourage all students to return to school and that school environments are safe, equipped and prepared for any future disruptions.
4. Support communities and families
During COVID-19 many children were forced to stay at home during lockdowns. This was particularly difficult for parents who took on the responsibility of teaching their children while also experiencing financial and psychological stress. ChildFund recognises the importance that family can have on a child’s development, and is supporting families during the COVID-19 crisis through regular visits, providing materials, and running workshops.
5. Strengthen school systems
The unprecedented arrival of COVID-19 took school systems around the world by surprise and most were not equipped to respond. ChildFund has been working with local governments and school management groups to strengthen their systems and resources for the future to ensure that schools are safe. This has included improving hygiene and sanitation facilities, including toilets and hand washing stations, ensuring Disaster Risk Reduction plans are in place, and training teachers on COVID-19 messaging to support communities.
The festive season is almost here. Trees are going up, carols are playing in shops, and we’re counting down the days until we can see our loved ones and shower them with presents.
Finding the perfect items can be tricky, so we’ve put together a handy guide with plenty of ethical Christmas gift ideas to ensure you have no trouble filling your baskets or Santa stockings while giving back.
1. Donate Gifts for Good
You can support ChildFund’s efforts around the globe by donating life-changing gifts from their Gifts for Good range. Each donation is accompanied by a Christmas card, emailed directly to a nominated address. Alternatively, you can print out a card at home and include it in your gift basket.
We offer a range of gifts, but we recommend choosing something that your special someone genuinely cares about. Our range for 2020 includes old favourites like a dozen chickens and school supplies, but also gifts that will provide relief for communities affected by COVID-19. These include a handwashing station, COVID-19 protection kits or food packs that will feed two families for a whole month. It’s never been easier to improve the quality of life for children in need.
2. Sample locally-made produce
Regions like the Hunter Valley, Margaret River, and basically the whole of Tasmania, make wonderful produce abundant. Farmers around the country pour their hearts and souls into artisan cheeses, boutique chocolates, cured meats, nuts, and much more! Combine them and you have the best grazing platter ever made. There’s nothing better than some local camembert piping hot from the oven, topped with rosemary and local honey. The best way to collect these wonderful ingredients is with a weekend road-trip to your closest farmer’s market or farm gate.
If you’re not able to hit the road, many producers have turned to online sales to bring their products to happy bellies around the country. Simply head to websites such as Spend With Us, dedicated to supporting locally-made produce and bringing them to buyers across the country. You can also go to producers directly! Buy some extra virgin olive oil from Robinvale Estate in Victoria, Watermelon Seed Bars from Seedsations in Tasmania, Pesticide-Free Organic Tea from Collombatti Naturals in NSW, Fig Salami from Homemade By Annie in Victoria, or scores of other local businesses.
3. Buy Australian wines
As one of the best wine countries in the world, we simply love our homegrown bottles. A Semillon from the Hunter Valley, a Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, a Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley, or Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, there really is an endless amount of wines to choose from. And when you find a wine you truly love, why not opt-in on a regular basis with a subscription? It will give you a never-ending supply of beautiful bottles of wine with a hearty side of community support.
Remember to be age appropriate! If you’re buying for a family that includes children, you should accompany your wine with sparkling grape or apple juice that the little ones can enjoy.
4. Order artisanal hampers
Don’t have time to shop for items to include in a Christmas gift basket? Artisanal hampers are a great alternative if you want to have everything ready to go and save time. They can be filled with everything from delicious local produce to homemade self-care packages. With Christmas approaching fast, most Australian companies are getting their hampers ready for shipping. Take a look at The Perfect Hamper, or consider buying a hamper from a drought or bushfire-affected business, when you’re creating your shopping list.
5. DIY Christmas gifts
DIY projects have never been more popular! Whether it is making something from scratch or upcycling something you already own, it’s a great chance to explore your creative side. Why not start with an at-home pottery kit? The original founders of this idea at Crock’d believe in the “dirty hands, clean minds” philosophy and we honestly couldn’t agree more.
6. Choose handcrafted goods
If you’re looking for items that don’t have an expiry date, why not consider some handcrafted goods and jewellery? Nothing feels quite as personal as a one-off ceramic keep cup, or customised wine glasses. This year has had its challenges, but it’s unleashed a wave of creativity, with many Australian makers creating wonderful items – ranging from kitsch to practical – to brighten up your home.
Here are some of our favourites:
- Spend With Us: Support craftspeople affected by drought right across Australia
- Make It Collective: Find customisable, unique, and novel pressies this Christmas
- Country & Co.: Browse the selection of unique Australian-made jewellery and homegoods
- Love Australian Handmade: Feel the passion that goes into each and every product
- Made It: Look no further for local accessories, jewellery, crafts, homewares, and more
7. Support local artists
Instagram makes it easier than ever to find and connect with talented artists in your area. We love drone photography of Australian beaches and wildlife, just like the images of Jaimen Hudson. But it’s not only photographers that are shining on Instagram. It is also the place to discover painters such as contemporary indigenous artist Lauren, who sells originals and prints under the name Freestone.
Purchase a print, photograph or drawing, and request it to be sized appropriately to fit into your Christmas gift basket. You may even include a note explaining why you chose that artwork for the recipient!
8. Choose sustainable fashion
With fast fashion known to be one of the biggest contributors to pollution worldwide, opt for ethical and sustainable fashion. Find beautiful pieces made by local designers online, like this western-style denim shirt, yellow tulips bucket hat or tie-dye kimono. If you prefer shopping with more established clothing brands and want to assess how sustainable and ethical they are, have a look at the rating system on Good On You to get a quick overview.
Keep in mind the other gifts you plan to include and the size of your basket or stocking! You want to make sure that once folded, your loved one’s garment will slip right into your Christmas gift basket.
9. Pamper a loved one
While international travel is temporarily off the table, treating your loved one to a staycation is the perfect way to show them some love while supporting your community. The Empty Esky and Holiday Here This Year campaigns are what we’re using to plan our adventure to bushfire-affected areas. The campaigns offer pre-planned itineraries and are full of inspiration to explore your own backyard!
We recommend printing the receipt and hiding it in a decoy gift. You might choose a travel book, diary, mug or something else that can conceal the receipt, while also being a thoughtful gift. Remember to get the magic moment on camera as they ruffle through their Christmas gift basket.
10. Breathe deeply with plants
Buying for a green thumb? There’s something special about gifting someone new native plants for the house or garden. Christmas only comes once a year, but seeing these plants grow and change throughout the seasons means your loved one can enjoy it for a long time to come. When purchasing plants, it’s best to ask the nursery for detailed care instructions to ensure the plant is able to survive and thrive.
Looking for a few ideas? We love the succulent Sydney based start-up Little Succers for a small and easy to care for plant. Can your loved one handle a bit more? There are plenty of mail order services, like Plants in a Box or Home of House Plants, that deliver indoor plants from all over Australia right to your doorstep! Looking for an outdoor plant? Don’t forget to buy something native to your area! Native Australian flowers can also make a beautiful gift.
Fill your Christmas gift basket with a range of ethical treats
Now you’re all set to shop for gifts for that special someone. Be as creative as you can with the combination of items you include and don’t be afraid to spoil! It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we’re sure they’d appreciate the love.
