Every single kid has a right to education. No matter if they are they able to attend schools or not! If not government, then parents should take care of it. Amazing story, thank you.
it all starts with the humanity and the rights, but fails in execution. We are driving the change for sick kids and maintaining the opportunity for the voice of parents. Thanks for your support.
Sylvia - thanks for your encouragement. Belonging, connection, meaning are so important and, as it turns out, easy to do. It's been great watching the kids embrace this. It's made my life better, too.
It's sad that there aren't more government incentives for these sorts of things, but thank goodness for this woman - i mean, it's terrible that it took her own child getting sick but there would be so many children so grateful for this, life changing really.
Incredible how this initiative not only helps individual kids but also aims to reform whole systems... It must feel so validating to see the lasting impacts on education and healthcare!!
Knowing that Darcy's struggle is now helping countless other kids is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Here years later his legacy is already making a difference.
On the other side of pain, there's always an unexpected gift that arrives for each individual. Some take longer than others. Wonderful talk, thank you.
Back when I was in school they would just send your homework home with a sibling... It really warms the heart to see how far we've come in making sure sick kids don't miss out on their education
If there's one thing I become hyper aware of during the lock down was the neighbourhood children, you could hear how frustrated and pent up they were getting not having the outlet of school and being able to connect with one another. I felt terrible for them. Now to think of the kids that never get the opportunity to be apart of a classroom... I am very grateful for this woman and what she is doing and I hope that more funding gets put towards this. This seems like such a way forward.
thanks for sharing your observations, and, yeah, they get so lonely and feel forgotten. There's so much more we can do. We're grateful for your support.
very painful to watch and feel, and how fortunate that we have been able to turn this pain into an opportunity to help Darcy but also many others. Thanks for your support.
I've never thought about how isolated those kids must feel. Not just because they're sick and in hospital but being cut off from the daily social interactions would be so tough.
Shouldn't have to take a Mother's wisdom for health professionals to see how important holistic measures are. We are only human, and being included and feeling a part of a community is such a healing thing.
Marley, you're right - it's pretty basic... inclusion, belonging, being seen and heard. We'll keep fighting for these kids to get them recognised for school support. Thanks for encouraging our work.
This really speaks to how important it is to stay connected doesn't it? Not just for kids - I know that's what this is about - but that need for connection is something we have at all stages of life and I think a lot of people just forgot that and allow themselves to be isolated.
I was reading an article today about accessibility, and how before the lock downs, people with disabilities were begging for accessibility but were always told no for whatever reason. Since the last year or so now though, advocates are saying accessibility has totally changed and why didn't we just listen to people with chronic illnesses before?
Children being so sick that they're hospitalised for lengthy periods of time is already such a rough scenario but the added challenge of maintaining their education would feel like such an impossible pressure for the parents. It's so amazing that this woman has created something to alleviate some of that pressure.
Thanks, Steeve. You're right - it is a tough time for the kids and their whole family, including their siblings. The robots certainly help reduce the management burden. We appreciate your support.
My heart broke when she talked about the daily tears and struggles... I can't imagine how deep she had to dig to get past them and into space of solving the problem
I figure my tears and struggles are nothing compared to what I know the kids go through. But the positive work has definitely pulled me out of dark place time and time again. Thanks for your support.
thanks for your kind comments. In truth I can only do what I do because I have the support of so many: my team, my family, partners, supporters like you. We will keep on going until all kids have the opportunity.
Can you imagine being a sick kid, stuck in a hospital, and then getting to check into your classroom from bed and be part of the crew again? Must feel so uplifting!
What an amazing woman. Megan, you would have paved the way for many children and I do hope that after all these lockdowns the powers that be see the importance of accessibility to this!
thanks, Myles! We're still working hard to get this to BAU. Ironically, these kids were more connected in lockdowns, when all children were learning from home through technology. After school has returned to face-to-face, they've been cut of once again. We will continue to work for them.
I can only imagine the joy that would radiate from those children's faces. You are doing such amazing work. I bet it's so tough sometimes but gosh you are doing amazing things. Thank you Megan!!
Being able to connect with their classmates and teachers and feeling "normal" again has a huge ripple effect for children coming out of hospital, how wonderful to be able to provide it to them while they're still being treated.
Amaya - you're so right! We can keep them connected all the way through so they don't have to wait. It's easy to do and just makes sense. Thanks for your support.
Picturing those kids' faces lighting up as they log into class for the first time. And their friends freaking out with joy to have them back? Ugh, so many feels. We need more of this goodness in the world!
As a mother whose child spent months in the childrens hospital with asthma I can't even explain how happy this made me. It's not just about missing school but the boredom they go through and how their minds can wander into very unhelpful territory when left alone for so long.
we hope your child is doing well now and that the asthma is under control. Your words "how their minds can wander into very unhelpful territory when left alone for so long" sums it up. Hoping to change this for good.
the kids are simply amazing; their resilience is inspiring and they just want to be normal. Being present in their community gives them hope. Thanks for sharing!
It can make such a difference. We have students who are quadriplegic dialing in with eye gaze technology and moving the robot around the classroom. Thanks for watching.
The lack of information and comprehensive research on seriously ill students missing school really speaks to just how significant that gap in understanding and support truly is.
i really hope that you continue to get more funding and this becomes more and more accessible! what a fabulous thing to help children, to give any sick child some sort of normalcy and connection. what a beautiful talk and an inspiring woman!
Mark, the funding is always the challenge and this year we're working hard to keep providing this service. Every cent counts and we work to know that one day this will be business as usual. Thank you.
It's awesome that Australia is leading the way in using this technology... Hopefully other countries will follow their example and make this kind of support available to all the kids who need it.
Wow, this presentation hit me hard. As someone who experienced the challenges of missing school due to illness, I understand the impact it can have on a student's well-being and education. These robots sound amazing, and I hope they become more accessible and widespread. Every sick kid deserves the opportunity to stay connected to their school life while going through something as traumatic as being hospitalized or bed-ridden.
Hey there, we're really moved by your comment and appreciate you sharing your experience. It's exactly stories like yours that inspire us to keep innovating with the telepresence robots. We totally agree with you - every child, no matter what health challenges they're facing, deserves the chance to stay connected with their school life. We're working hard to make these robots more accessible and common. We believe in a world where all children are seen and heard. Thanks again for your support and powerful words. We hope you'll keep following us on our journey!
I applaud you. You overcame such opposition, indifference and ignorance but reached your goal. Your son isn't left to the side anymore. He is so lucky to have a mom like you.
Thanks so much, Katrien. My son is a young man now and this is the way I give back for his life. There are so many more kids who now need the help. Our solution is set so this becomes business as usual.
Wow, 60,000 kids in Australia just left at home to exist with the family, no education, no connection to peers and missing our of school learning due to illness.
Yes, Clifton, and it's a global problem. Millions of children worldwide experience school isolation due to illness. We hope to change it here in Australia and see the ripple effect to wherever it's needed. Thank you.
It's so amazing to hear about the impact of these telepresence robots! Isolation is a pretty awful thing to endure and on top of being sick I imagine it would be soul crushing, especially for kids
That pulling away when it starts to get too hard, that's when we need our support and to feel included the most. I think we have all been feeling that for the past few years
Dustin, thank you for your support. I feel like the lucky one - the kids lead the way. They have so much courage, and they are honest about what they want. It's helped us to be guided by the kids!
Thanks, Miatta - it takes a village and we're so pleased to have you cheering us on. It's one mighty effort, that's for sure. Day by day we are reaching our goal.
Absolutely! And then everyone understood the effects of social isolation and how debilitating that is. Time for a new era of support. Thanks for sharing your point of view.
I never thought about the long-term effects of missing school on a child's social and emotional well-being. This talk brings some much needed attention to an important issue.
So many parents don't realise just how harrowing it is to see one's own child suffering at no fault of their own. We see so quickly how basic things that most take for granted can be a big difference in the healing journey.
connection is everything, belonging is lifechanging, being seen and heard is essential. As you say, sometimes all it takes is a simple thing to solve suffering. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
Back in my day, we didn't have such advanced technology. It's heartwarming to see how far we've come in ensuring that sick students don't miss out on their education.
This talk got me thinking about how one family's story can spark a chain reaction of positive change. You never know what kind of good you might inspire by sharing your fight with the world.
If we think deeper and understand how many places don't even have an internet connection, we understand that not many children have this indisputable right for education.
Rusty, thanks so much for pointing this out. We hope our work floats the boat for education inclusion everywhere but showing what's possible with a little effort and a small investment.
I went through something really similar in my early teens and the way she describes her sons mental health being affected by missing out on school is really spot on. I wish there had have been something like this when I was in school.
That must have been really hard. Thanks for sharing your personal journey, because it illustrates that the need for school connection has been happening for as long as kids have been missing school (it's not a new thing).
This is awesome, missing school when you're sick is hard enough in terms of the social aspect but the impact on their self-esteem is devastating when they have these huge gape in their knowledge - they know when they're not performing at the same level as their peers and it is heart-breaking to see the effects of that
It's incredible to think that a simple idea from a mother could potentially change the educational landscape for sick kids in Australia. This kind of innovation makes me hopeful for the future!
This is a very clever solution for making sure sick kids still get real time learning. And placing them in the classroom instead of the other way around is genius.
@coffeelover8467 - we appreciate your support for our work! Providing positive school connection and ongoing social support is part of a strategy to ease trauma. We try hard to make it better for the kids.
This story about the healing power of connections is truly heartwarming. It sheds light on the struggles faced by sick children and the importance of keeping them connected to their schools and learning communities... The telepresence robots seem like a practical solution to bridging that gap.
Colby - thanks for your kind words. All I could see was my boy being amazing. It's hard to describe what these kids face and how they show up in the most harrowing experience. It's why we do the work - they deserve an opportunity to reach their potential, after fighting for their lives. We owe it to them.
I had no clue so many kids in Australia miss tons of school because of being sick or hurt. 60,000 is wild! It's awesome that MissingSchool is looking out for them and finding new solutions.
Thanks for cheering for our work. There is now a worldwide attendance crisis and, in Australia, numbers are into the hundreds of thousands. Crazy! Now our work matters more than ever!
@@megangilmour4751 those are really scary numbers, and also that it's gotten worse over time is sad to hear... makes the work you guys are doing even more important!
Pulling at my heart strings. I went through something similar many years ago with my daughter. She had to go through some rehab after hurting herself in gymnastics. The moment she wasn't getting to see her friends regularly at school, her mood dropped. I bet Megan's child is very grateful for her ambitious nature.
Gee, it does pull at the heart strings! Thank you for sharing about your daughter. Playing and having fun with people we care about is simply human. Funny that robots are helping with human connection!
The mind, body and spirit are all connected, getting these sick kids back into a place where they feel heard, included and get to play would be so important for their healing.
I have to admit, when the speaker started talking about her experience in social and economic development across 24 countries, I wasn't sure where she was going with it. But by the end of the presentation, I was blown away by how all the pieces of her life seemed to come together to form this incredible initiative. Talk about a powerful example of connecting the dots!
Loved hearing about how Missing Schools was started from scratch with other moms... just shows that change can start from the smallest groups with the biggest hearts.
Love that her vision for the future is robots in every school and a policy shift! Sets a bold aspirational goal for the future of education and I'm here for it!
When the media goes quiet, the quiet have to get thinking. The passion here makes me excited because I feel how much this means for so many children and the future of education.
the part about how she kept wanting to give up but persevered for the sake of the mission - that was powerful stuff. Doing something truly innovative is never easy.
The speaker's insight into the systemic issues surrounding school absences due to illness or injury is eye-opening. It's shocking to learn that there are so many children out there who are struggling to stay connected to their schools, and it's inspiring to see how the Missing Schools organization is working to address this issue.
Man, it breaks my heart thinking about what these kids go through, fighting to survive while feeling cut off from their normal lives and friends. These robots sound like they could be a total game-changer for helping with that.
Three mums on a mission to find a solution. "Courage before confidence, leap not lag" - great words and that's how you get things done.
This is so true, never deny the power of women and mothers!
you know it!
it sure is, but the courage to leap is often the hardest to find. The reward is in what we witness with the kids every day. Keeps us being brave :)
The fact that the volunteer group 'Missing Schools' started in a living room and now helps children nationwide is beyond inspiring! 👏🏻👏🏻
The failing of a system so well described. Policy and procedures make us numb toward the work we do and caring isn't one of them.
so many failing systems
so true! We trigger caring so the policies and procedures follow. It's great to get your insights, thank you.
“Saving a life is about more than saving a body”. More people need to know this.
True!
I agree, Corky. That's what we're working on!
Every single kid has a right to education. No matter if they are they able to attend schools or not! If not government, then parents should take care of it. Amazing story, thank you.
Couldn't agree more. My parents didn't ensure I had an education and now I struggle so bad.
it all starts with the humanity and the rights, but fails in execution. We are driving the change for sick kids and maintaining the opportunity for the voice of parents. Thanks for your support.
The sense of normalcy that Megan did her best to provide for Darcy is a beautiful example of a Mother's love.
yes so right
Sylvia - thanks for your encouragement. Belonging, connection, meaning are so important and, as it turns out, easy to do. It's been great watching the kids embrace this. It's made my life better, too.
It's sad that there aren't more government incentives for these sorts of things, but thank goodness for this woman - i mean, it's terrible that it took her own child getting sick but there would be so many children so grateful for this, life changing really.
Here in Australia our government doesn't really care about any one who isn't able bodied.
Eventually, we'll get there. Nothing like lived experience to galvanise change. It's always the trigger. Thanks for your support.
Incredible how this initiative not only helps individual kids but also aims to reform whole systems... It must feel so validating to see the lasting impacts on education and healthcare!!
We are getting progress at national levels now - time to drive it forward. Thanks for the shout out.
Keeping sick kids connected to their classrooms, now this is the work of a soulful entrepeneur.
I reckon! Shes awesome!
Thank you. It's work that really matters; helping all kids to reach their potential and have a meaningful life.
Thanks, Sofia. We appreciate your support. The work is worth it and the reason we don't give up when the change isn't coming fast enough.
Knowing that Darcy's struggle is now helping countless other kids is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Here years later his legacy is already making a difference.
On the other side of pain, there's always an unexpected gift that arrives for each individual. Some take longer than others. Wonderful talk, thank you.
And the real truth, well said Ruby!
👍
So true Ruby.
great woman.
@@liamnneely yes for sure.
If there was ever a purpose, this woman is amazing.
thanks for your inspiring words; it's feedback like yours that helps us keep fighting for the kids.
Back when I was in school they would just send your homework home with a sibling... It really warms the heart to see how far we've come in making sure sick kids don't miss out on their education
The technology to enable real-time two-way connection is only going to get better. There's hope in their education for sick kids. Thanks for watching.
2:06 - Saving a life is about more than saving a body. We are nothing without our spirit and drive to move forward. What an incredible Mum.
Beautifully put
Thank you so much for your support, Andre. Indeed, "we are nothing without our spirit and drive to move forward". So well said!
Hospitals and treatments are scary and confronting for adults, I can't imagine her son's terror. He's a super hero in my eyes.
The kids are truly remarkable - super heroes for sure. One of the reasons we need to back them. Thanks for watching.
If there's one thing I become hyper aware of during the lock down was the neighbourhood children, you could hear how frustrated and pent up they were getting not having the outlet of school and being able to connect with one another. I felt terrible for them. Now to think of the kids that never get the opportunity to be apart of a classroom... I am very grateful for this woman and what she is doing and I hope that more funding gets put towards this. This seems like such a way forward.
Very true!
thanks for sharing your observations, and, yeah, they get so lonely and feel forgotten. There's so much more we can do. We're grateful for your support.
This commitment to making sure all sick kids have access to this technology is truly admirable. She's a real advocate for change.
Thanks for the encouragement, every bit helps us to keep going for the goal of ending school isolation for sick kids.
How painful for a child when everything gets too painful too carry on, and a mother who found the reasons for him to want to carry on.
very painful to watch and feel, and how fortunate that we have been able to turn this pain into an opportunity to help Darcy but also many others. Thanks for your support.
I've never thought about how isolated those kids must feel. Not just because they're sick and in hospital but being cut off from the daily social interactions would be so tough.
Indeed, it is so tough. We're working to get "learn from anywhere" to business as usual. Thanks for watching!
Shouldn't have to take a Mother's wisdom for health professionals to see how important holistic measures are. We are only human, and being included and feeling a part of a community is such a healing thing.
Sadly, medicine is a long way removed from humanity
Marley, you're right - it's pretty basic... inclusion, belonging, being seen and heard. We'll keep fighting for these kids to get them recognised for school support. Thanks for encouraging our work.
This really speaks to how important it is to stay connected doesn't it? Not just for kids - I know that's what this is about - but that need for connection is something we have at all stages of life and I think a lot of people just forgot that and allow themselves to be isolated.
We agree! Virtual care is possible when physical distance or inability mean a person can't be present. Thanks or watching.
I was reading an article today about accessibility, and how before the lock downs, people with disabilities were begging for accessibility but were always told no for whatever reason. Since the last year or so now though, advocates are saying accessibility has totally changed and why didn't we just listen to people with chronic illnesses before?
It's a pity it took us so long for sure
Yes. If this last year has taught us anything it is that there is much more potential for change that we were told
@@davidhanson8232 Exactly that
@@davidhanson8232 yes true!
@@davidhanson8232 yes!
Amazing story through her child's illness and many children that didn't make it. How amazing is this woman and her son.
Absolutely incredible. Such an amazing Mother.
great mom for sure...
this is amazing!
Thats a mothers love for sure!
@@valeriegervais truth!
Children being so sick that they're hospitalised for lengthy periods of time is already such a rough scenario but the added challenge of maintaining their education would feel like such an impossible pressure for the parents. It's so amazing that this woman has created something to alleviate some of that pressure.
Thanks, Steeve. You're right - it is a tough time for the kids and their whole family, including their siblings. The robots certainly help reduce the management burden. We appreciate your support.
Oh wow, "the cruelest expression of low expectations." Her compassion and empathy is the best.
you are fast Hubert!
we are seeing amazing results for these kids; apparently they can rise to meet their potential!
My heart broke when she talked about the daily tears and struggles... I can't imagine how deep she had to dig to get past them and into space of solving the problem
I figure my tears and struggles are nothing compared to what I know the kids go through. But the positive work has definitely pulled me out of dark place time and time again. Thanks for your support.
Oh my goodness! The power of one! Megan, you are a powerhouse, all that you have achieved and changed for so many children! Thank you!
Incredible work, she has a lot of love in her heart and a fire in her belly. Appreciate what she's doing so very much
thanks for your kind comments. In truth I can only do what I do because I have the support of so many: my team, my family, partners, supporters like you. We will keep on going until all kids have the opportunity.
Can you imagine being a sick kid, stuck in a hospital, and then getting to check into your classroom from bed and be part of the crew again? Must feel so uplifting!
They love it! Thanks for watching.
What an amazing woman. Megan, you would have paved the way for many children and I do hope that after all these lockdowns the powers that be see the importance of accessibility to this!
I know a few parents who must see this video, Megan proves that it can be done
Funding needs to be allocated to programs like this
Couldn't agree more
She's incredible
thanks, Myles! We're still working hard to get this to BAU. Ironically, these kids were more connected in lockdowns, when all children were learning from home through technology. After school has returned to face-to-face, they've been cut of once again. We will continue to work for them.
Human connection is essential for survival and healing! Especially for kids. Glad this is being taken into account
That is true. Appreciate your support!
Holding the education department accountable. Thank you.
Yes, Cyrus. Education for all is what they say, so it's a good reminder for this forgotten cohort. Thanks for your support.
I give a standing ovation to you, Megan.
I'm honoured, and thank you so much!
What a beautiful woman with such an admirable dedication to helping her son and other sick children is truly remarkable.
You are so kind, thanks for the support - it helps us keep doing the work!
I can only imagine the joy that would radiate from those children's faces. You are doing such amazing work. I bet it's so tough sometimes but gosh you are doing amazing things. Thank you Megan!!
Brilliant ted thanks for pushing to me!
Loved this!!
great mom!!!
what a wonderful story and such good work, bless her.
@@caro.7487 😍 🥰 😘
My highest admiration for these ladies for solving the critical link to sick kids recovery by helping them stay connected to their school communities.
Not a wonderful way to grow up, fighting for life and existence. What a wonderful mind this woman has, empathy and intelligence combined.
thank you for your support. It's amazing to see what early interventions can do, and how a little help can have a big impact
@@megangilmour4751 thanks back at you, great talk!
Being able to connect with their classmates and teachers and feeling "normal" again has a huge ripple effect for children coming out of hospital, how wonderful to be able to provide it to them while they're still being treated.
Amaya - you're so right! We can keep them connected all the way through so they don't have to wait. It's easy to do and just makes sense. Thanks for your support.
Picturing those kids' faces lighting up as they log into class for the first time. And their friends freaking out with joy to have them back? Ugh, so many feels. We need more of this goodness in the world!
Your support of this initiative means a lot! Thanks for spreading the goodness.
I love her accent, I had always thought all Australians sounded like Steve Irwin, but she has a beautiful sound.
haha, this is the best! I hope that means that leaders in our country can hear my voice and we get the support these kids need, everywhere, every day.
The emotional toll of missing school is immense. This concept seems like a beacon of hope for students facing such challenges.
Thanks for the shout out. You said it so simply!
This is so important, it's not just about education it's literally about saving lives.
Saving hearts and minds, not just bodies. Staying connected with a life other than illness - yes, saving lives. Thanks for caring.
Lately you don't hear about the good tech can do, because so much of it is just about profit, this is good!
So powerful seeing what technology can give to the world, right!?
Agreed! This is exactly how it needs to be utilized!
Thomas, the tech is the enabler; all the action happens after we get the kids back into their classrooms through tech. Thanks for your thougths.
The hurdles she would have had to conquer to get where she is - I know many children would be beyond grateful for this accessibility.
LaKyle, thank you for your kinds words. We the love the challenger spirit and will keep conquering :)
This wasn't what I thought it would be, but it's a very good talk and idea.
It's a brilliant talk!
thanks for taking the time to watch. Interested to know what you were expecting as this always help us build better.
As a mother whose child spent months in the childrens hospital with asthma I can't even explain how happy this made me. It's not just about missing school but the boredom they go through and how their minds can wander into very unhelpful territory when left alone for so long.
we hope your child is doing well now and that the asthma is under control. Your words "how their minds can wander into very unhelpful territory when left alone for so long" sums it up. Hoping to change this for good.
This is the sort of innovation I live for
Thanks for sharing Mo, we will have to speak to Kayden about this on Friday.
the kids are simply amazing; their resilience is inspiring and they just want to be normal. Being present in their community gives them hope. Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing step for inclusive learning. This could make such a difference, not just for sick kids but for those with life-long disabilities.
It can make such a difference. We have students who are quadriplegic dialing in with eye gaze technology and moving the robot around the classroom. Thanks for watching.
We can do so much and create real change we we need to, congratulations Megan this is wonderful.
Agreed!
I agree; we don't realise what we're capable of until we're push. Thanks for your support!
The lack of information and comprehensive research on seriously ill students missing school really speaks to just how significant that gap in understanding and support truly is.
And it's still the same today - can you believe it! But we are getting momentum on this front in close consultation with government.
i really hope that you continue to get more funding and this becomes more and more accessible! what a fabulous thing to help children, to give any sick child some sort of normalcy and connection. what a beautiful talk and an inspiring woman!
We need this in the USA!
@@judeblyth3606 the world you mean!
this is such smart innovation, and done in Australia, I am seeing a lot of good things come out of that country these days.
What a good mum.
Mark, the funding is always the challenge and this year we're working hard to keep providing this service. Every cent counts and we work to know that one day this will be business as usual. Thank you.
I love how she highlighted the healing power of connection for the kids and for the bigger picture too.
I feel you and your child's pain as well as your firmness of conviction, thanks for your story.
thank you; it's a love story that goes on. We value your support.
It's awesome that Australia is leading the way in using this technology... Hopefully other countries will follow their example and make this kind of support available to all the kids who need it.
We are now working with schools to use their own technologies, which is where we hope this will head. Thanks for cheering!
In a day and age when we are scared of AI and robotics, a talk that gives us hope that humanity can be applied to technology.
This is exactly how we utilize AI to work for us!
So very true. There is so much about all that can go wrong, it is uplifting to know that good is being done
yes! Robots extend and unlock human potential, not replace. Humanity + technology creating social good.
Wow, this presentation hit me hard. As someone who experienced the challenges of missing school due to illness, I understand the impact it can have on a student's well-being and education. These robots sound amazing, and I hope they become more accessible and widespread. Every sick kid deserves the opportunity to stay connected to their school life while going through something as traumatic as being hospitalized or bed-ridden.
Hey there, we're really moved by your comment and appreciate you sharing your experience. It's exactly stories like yours that inspire us to keep innovating with the telepresence robots. We totally agree with you - every child, no matter what health challenges they're facing, deserves the chance to stay connected with their school life. We're working hard to make these robots more accessible and common. We believe in a world where all children are seen and heard. Thanks again for your support and powerful words. We hope you'll keep following us on our journey!
When it becomes the problem of all parents, in 2020, the solution was found pretty quickly. Why we care only when it is our problem???
We are all in survival mode and that can take care away very easy
I applaud you. You overcame such opposition, indifference and ignorance but reached your goal. Your son isn't left to the side anymore. He is so lucky to have a mom like you.
He sure is, wonderful woman...
Thanks so much, Katrien. My son is a young man now and this is the way I give back for his life. There are so many more kids who now need the help. Our solution is set so this becomes business as usual.
Wow, 60,000 kids in Australia just left at home to exist with the family, no education, no connection to peers and missing our of school learning due to illness.
Yes, Clifton, and it's a global problem. Millions of children worldwide experience school isolation due to illness. We hope to change it here in Australia and see the ripple effect to wherever it's needed. Thank you.
It's so amazing to hear about the impact of these telepresence robots! Isolation is a pretty awful thing to endure and on top of being sick I imagine it would be soul crushing, especially for kids
It is. The good news is that we can turn this around, for every kids who needs it. Robots are just the start 😄
This honestly gives me a different perspective of illness. Makes me sad.
should give you hope too!
They can be dark days, Rowan, that's for sure. And it is why we can do more to keep people - importantly kids - connected, right at the critical time.
That pulling away when it starts to get too hard, that's when we need our support and to feel included the most. I think we have all been feeling that for the past few years
Yes, isolation really hurts and the only cure is connection. This has certainly become a universal lesson since I gave this talk.
ur son is rly lucky to have u.
same thought here.
Dustin, thank you for your support. I feel like the lucky one - the kids lead the way. They have so much courage, and they are honest about what they want. It's helped us to be guided by the kids!
Another powerful resourceful woman fighting for her child. Well done Megan you're a powerful example for us all.
Thanks, Miatta - it takes a village and we're so pleased to have you cheering us on. It's one mighty effort, that's for sure. Day by day we are reaching our goal.
It's an irony! The schools that didn't even have open ideas around education and schooling from home and then 2020 happened.
This talk is a great example of how innovative people are and how they should be listened too
Absolutely! And then everyone understood the effects of social isolation and how debilitating that is. Time for a new era of support. Thanks for sharing your point of view.
@@davidhanson8232 Thank you, David.
I never thought about the long-term effects of missing school on a child's social and emotional well-being. This talk brings some much needed attention to an important issue.
Thanks for watching! The more people who now about the issue, the better.
Yes that's no way for a child to experience life, watching from the sidelines, missing school and connecting with other kids.
couldn't agree more, she's setting these kids up for much more in life. so amazing
Vicky, it's heartbreaking to watch, especially when we know it's simple to provide connection and support. Thanks for sharing your point of view.
So many parents don't realise just how harrowing it is to see one's own child suffering at no fault of their own. We see so quickly how basic things that most take for granted can be a big difference in the healing journey.
connection is everything, belonging is lifechanging, being seen and heard is essential. As you say, sometimes all it takes is a simple thing to solve suffering. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
The healing power of connection is what life is, though I have to say sometimes I find it all a bit too 'peopley' out there.
Back in my day, we didn't have such advanced technology. It's heartwarming to see how far we've come in ensuring that sick students don't miss out on their education.
That's true for me, too. Now, the options and opportunities will become better and better for kids who can't attend school in person.
Is caring not part of "our job"
Getting the Prime Minister's attention is a significant milestone! Hopefully it indicates a potential shift in government awareness and support.
We're getting there. School absence is now the biggest global issue facing schools in developed countries. The time has come. Thanks for watching.
The statistic is impressive. But when nobody cares because it's not their job, that sucks.
oh i reckon!
This talk got me thinking about how one family's story can spark a chain reaction of positive change. You never know what kind of good you might inspire by sharing your fight with the world.
Perfectly said! Thanks for watching.
If we think deeper and understand how many places don't even have an internet connection, we understand that not many children have this indisputable right for education.
yep agree!
Rusty, thanks so much for pointing this out. We hope our work floats the boat for education inclusion everywhere but showing what's possible with a little effort and a small investment.
I went through something really similar in my early teens and the way she describes her sons mental health being affected by missing out on school is really spot on. I wish there had have been something like this when I was in school.
That must have been really hard. Thanks for sharing your personal journey, because it illustrates that the need for school connection has been happening for as long as kids have been missing school (it's not a new thing).
This is awesome, missing school when you're sick is hard enough in terms of the social aspect but the impact on their self-esteem is devastating when they have these huge gape in their knowledge - they know when they're not performing at the same level as their peers and it is heart-breaking to see the effects of that
Thanks for your brilliant summary and for watching. We appreciate your support; it makes a difference!
It's incredible to think that a simple idea from a mother could potentially change the educational landscape for sick kids in Australia. This kind of innovation makes me hopeful for the future!
I can't imagine how difficult it would be to see your child losing hope like that.
So difficult. The good news is that we can help sick kids find hope through some play, learning and normality with their peers and teachers.
This is a very clever solution for making sure sick kids still get real time learning. And placing them in the classroom instead of the other way around is genius.
It works well for all the kids in the classroom, when their absent friend/peer returns via the robot. Thanks for the support.
Thank you Megan for raising the issue of the trauma watching other children suffer causes to our children.
@coffeelover8467 - we appreciate your support for our work! Providing positive school connection and ongoing social support is part of a strategy to ease trauma. We try hard to make it better for the kids.
Congratulation Megan on having 30 robots connecting sick kids to their classrooms and school communities. The world needs more people like you.
Hey Never Last - we're heading into the hundreds since the talk. Thanks for cheering us on, it keeps us going with the good work
This story about the healing power of connections is truly heartwarming. It sheds light on the struggles faced by sick children and the importance of keeping them connected to their schools and learning communities... The telepresence robots seem like a practical solution to bridging that gap.
Avery, we appreciate the way you've summed this up. And, indeed, it truly is a practical solution.
Oh my heart...."he started to give up." What a woman, what a wonderful mum so tremendously switched on and what an amazing journey for her son.
Colby - thanks for your kind words. All I could see was my boy being amazing. It's hard to describe what these kids face and how they show up in the most harrowing experience. It's why we do the work - they deserve an opportunity to reach their potential, after fighting for their lives. We owe it to them.
It must be such a wholesome moment when a kid reconnects with their class using one of those robots.
It's so wholesome - it's a joy bringer. Thanks for your support.
I think it speaks volumes about who she is as a person that she's continuing with this project even after her own child no longer has any need for it.
Feel like I can't rest until it's done for every child who needs it. Thanks for your support.
I had no clue so many kids in Australia miss tons of school because of being sick or hurt. 60,000 is wild! It's awesome that MissingSchool is looking out for them and finding new solutions.
Thanks for cheering for our work. There is now a worldwide attendance crisis and, in Australia, numbers are into the hundreds of thousands. Crazy! Now our work matters more than ever!
@@megangilmour4751 those are really scary numbers, and also that it's gotten worse over time is sad to hear... makes the work you guys are doing even more important!
Her story is a powerful reminder of how when we utilize technology properly it can have such a positive impact on our lives
We are working on making it business as usual for kids who can't physically attend school. Thanks for watching!
Pulling at my heart strings. I went through something similar many years ago with my daughter. She had to go through some rehab after hurting herself in gymnastics. The moment she wasn't getting to see her friends regularly at school, her mood dropped. I bet Megan's child is very grateful for her ambitious nature.
Gee, it does pull at the heart strings! Thank you for sharing about your daughter. Playing and having fun with people we care about is simply human. Funny that robots are helping with human connection!
Feeling left out and isolated is one of the worst things a person can experience, let alone having to fight with severe illness for their life.
Absolutely. And it's pretty easy to make hard days better - connection and care make a huge difference in tough times.
She didn't give up and the result is worthwhile!
I couldn't turn my back on these kids, Esmeralda. Especially since the solution is at our fingertips. Thanks for caring.
The mind, body and spirit are all connected, getting these sick kids back into a place where they feel heard, included and get to play would be so important for their healing.
yes, absolutely! Our new platform is called "seen and heard", and that includes opportunities to play. A life worth living. Thanks for your support.
I have to admit, when the speaker started talking about her experience in social and economic development across 24 countries, I wasn't sure where she was going with it. But by the end of the presentation, I was blown away by how all the pieces of her life seemed to come together to form this incredible initiative. Talk about a powerful example of connecting the dots!
I love the way you put this ... "connecting the dots" - that is what it is! Thanks for the shout out
Loved hearing about how Missing Schools was started from scratch with other moms... just shows that change can start from the smallest groups with the biggest hearts.
Community is everything. Appreciate the shout out!
Love that her vision for the future is robots in every school and a policy shift! Sets a bold aspirational goal for the future of education and I'm here for it!
When the media goes quiet, the quiet have to get thinking. The passion here makes me excited because I feel how much this means for so many children and the future of education.
Laura - well said, and we can bring the future of education forward. Thanks for your support!
the part about how she kept wanting to give up but persevered for the sake of the mission - that was powerful stuff. Doing something truly innovative is never easy.
The speaker's insight into the systemic issues surrounding school absences due to illness or injury is eye-opening. It's shocking to learn that there are so many children out there who are struggling to stay connected to their schools, and it's inspiring to see how the Missing Schools organization is working to address this issue.
Olga, thank you for the acknowledgement and support, it means a lot to us. Working for these kids is so rewarding.
Man, it breaks my heart thinking about what these kids go through, fighting to survive while feeling cut off from their normal lives and friends. These robots sound like they could be a total game-changer for helping with that.
They have been a game-changer. Hoping to get schools to adopt a range of their own technologies now to keep kids connected. Thanks for cheering!
As a parent I cannot imagine having a child in hospital for two years watching them being poked and prodded. Hats off to you Winter.
Thanks for the show of support @berniefan2645!
This woman is incredible. Way to be a creative problem solver and an amazing mother all in one.
Thanks for cheering - we love your support!