The Mag’s Earth presents: GET ACTIVE!
(Based on the celebrated CBC Television series)
ACTIVISM
In the small town of Bradford, Ontario, Danielle, Emily, Willy and Ashley are among a group of 6th graders who have been making an impact on the lives of hundreds in Sierra Leone where children are abducted to become child soldiers. Former Principal of W.H. Day PS, Anita Townsend, told the students that she had met many child soldiers who had escaped when she was in Sierra Leone. In particular, she spoke about a boy named Sidibay who had been orphaned at the age of 3. The students started a fundraising drive and raised enough funds to allow Sidibay to come to the USA to continue his studies. Through Sidibay, the students have learned a lot about the hard life that many children have to lead in Sierra Leone. They’ve also learned that even though they are young, they can make a difference to the lives of others.
Emily: “Imagine what we can do when we are older!”
SPEAKOUT!
MICHEL CHIKWANINE
I was a child soldier and at 5 years old, I was drugged and forced to kill my best friend.I managed to escape after two weeks. And I’ve passed through a lot of atrocities.I came to North America, where I have the possibility to affect change in the world.I think every human being has a passion.So if we can use that passion and our talents, we can create change.Say I’m passionate about child soldiers, which is who I was, and I love playing soccer.If I’m 14, I’m at school. I can hold a soccer tournament and raise issues about child soldiers. Two dollars from those attending can be donated to a charity that helps child soldiers and at the same time raises awareness about the issues.
“Nelson Mandela, once said, ‘When we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.’ If I can stand up and show my passion, anyone can show their passion to change the world.”
B! FACTS!
– Did you know that Canadians are amongst the biggest volunteers and donators in the world?
– Canadians donate 8 to 9 billion dollars every year.
– Canadians also donate an astounding 2 billion volunteer hours every year.
– Those who have received some sort of support are more likely to help others.
– 94% of Canadians aged 15 years or older make a donation of some kind.
– 65% of teenagers volunteer their time, representing the largest volunteer group.
BREAKOUTER!
Bilaal Rajan
Bilaal was only 4 years old when he went door to door selling clementines to help victims of an earthquake in India. This experience got Bilaal hooked on helping the less fortunate. When an earthquake and tsunami devastated several South East Asian countries in 2004, Bilaal issued a UNICEF Canada Kids Earthquake Challenge asking every child to raise one hundred dollars. UNICEF Canada named Bilaal their child representative and he became a catalyst for raising close to 4 million dollars. He’s traveled to Malawi and Tanzania to help children affected by AIDS. Bilaal’s exposure to hardship and suffering has made him even more passionate about helping others. He is the first to sign up for any humanitarian cause and speaks in schools and to the media about his experiences. Bilaal has now written a book with lots of ideas and tips on how to make a difference.
YOU TOO CAN BREAKOUT! TO FIND OUT HOW, GO TO: www.breakoutonline.ca