The University of Newcastle's innovative Children's University program is celebrating a significant milestone this week as it marks ten years of inspiring young minds across New South Wales. The program, designed to cultivate a genuine love for learning, has seen remarkable success stories emerge from its unique approach to education.
From Young Graduate to Future Educator
One of the program's most compelling success stories is Asenaca Leweniqila, who vividly recalls her graduation ceremony at just ten years old. Walking into the University of Newcastle's Great Hall wearing academic dress alongside her younger brother Semi, the experience left an indelible mark on her educational journey.
Now 19 years old, Miss Leweniqila has come full circle. She's currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree at the same university and works as a teacher's aide at Northlakes Public School. Reflecting on her Children's University experience, she emphasises how the program focused on developing curiosity rather than specific academic subjects.
"The whole point was to create a love for learning," Miss Leweniqila explains. "It wasn't about specifically doing maths or creative writing for English. It was going out of your way to learn about something new and find a way to love that."
A Decade of Educational Impact
Since its inception, the Children's University program has seen 9349 students graduate through its unique system. This week alone, another 1100 children from 48 schools are graduating as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations.
Facilitated by the University's Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre (PALS), the program targets students aged between 7 and 14. Participants build their own learning programs by engaging in extracurricular activities, recording their progress in a special passport. Once they accumulate 30 hours of learning activities, they become eligible for the formal graduation ceremony that so inspired Miss Leweniqila.
Breaking Down Barriers to Higher Education
Associate Professor Anna Bennett, director of the PALS Centre, expresses immense pride in the program's achievements and its demonstrated impact on participants' educational aspirations.
"We survey students who have been in the Children's University, and the vast majority said the program gave them an idea of university, inspiration for university, and influenced them to come to university," Professor Bennett reveals. "Without that experience, they might not have considered higher education as an option."
The program's reach extends significantly throughout regional New South Wales, with 100 participating schools across Newcastle, the Hunter region, the mid-north coast, and the far west. Impressively, a quarter of participating students come from regional or remote schools, while 22 percent identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in 2025.
"It breaks down stereotypes and barriers about who can consider university education," Professor Bennett emphasises. "It shows people that everyone can come if they want to."
Engaging the Digital Generation
In an era where children face increasing distractions from devices, social media, and gaming, the Children's University program demonstrates that young people can remain deeply engaged in learning when given the right opportunities.
Professor Bennett notes the remarkable level of engagement they consistently observe, contrasting with broader concerns about declining attention spans. "It's quite astounding the level of engagement, especially when we're seeing through the media a lot of concern about people not being as engaged due to device use," she observes. "This program represents the opposite of that trend."
The program's success in fostering educational aspirations while making learning enjoyable continues to transform lives across New South Wales, proving that early positive experiences with education can shape lifelong learning journeys.
