The Mag’s Earth presents: GET ACTIVE!
Inspired by the celebrated CBC Television series, Get Active is a program that spotlights youth-led activism and how young people can make a real difference in the world.
ACTIVISM
In Bradford, Ontario, a small town just north of the Greater Toronto Area, a group of sixth graders—Danielle, Emily, Willy, and Ashley—rallied a community of peers to support children far from home. They learned about Sierra Leone, where conflict and abduction have forced many children into becoming soldiers. Anita Townsend, who previously led W.H. Day Public School, shared stories from Sierra Leone, including the tale of a boy named Sidibay who lost his parents at age three. The students launched a fundraising drive that eventually enabled Sidibay to travel to the United States to continue his studies, a journey made possible by the generosity of their supporters. Through Sidibay’s experience, the Bradford group saw how the hardships faced by young people abroad could become a catalyst for action at home. The project showed them that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference and that their small steps could ripple outward to create lasting change. Emily spoke for the group, imagining a future in which their efforts would grow alongside them: “Imagine what we can do when we are older.”
SPEAKOUT!
MICHEL CHIKWANINE
When he was five, he was captured as a child soldier, drugged, and forced to harm his closest companion. He escaped after a brutal two weeks, but the scars remained. He found his way to North America, where he embraced the chance to influence change. He believes every person carries a spark, a passion that can light the way for others. If youth harness that passion and pair it with their talents, they can drive real change. Michel has spoken about his past and his belief in using soccer, music, and storytelling to raise awareness. He describes organizing school tournaments that raise funds for charities aiding child soldiers, donating modest sums at the gate while amplifying a vital message. Nelson Mandela once said, “When we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.” He adds that if a fourteen-year-old can stand up and share their passion to make a difference, so can anyone who wants to help the world become better for everyone.
B! FACTS!
– Canadians are among the most generous volunteers and donors worldwide.
– Canadians donate eight to nine billion dollars each year.
– Canadians contribute about two billion hours of volunteer service annually.
– People who have received support tend to pay it forward.
– Ninety-four percent of Canadians aged 15 and older make some form of donation.
– Sixty-five percent of teenagers volunteer their time, making them a leading force among volunteers.
BREAKOUTER!
Bilaal Rajan discovered the power of helping others at a very young age. At four, he went door to door selling clementines after an earthquake struck India, turning a small gesture into a lifelong mission. His early acts of charity continued as he grew older. After the 2004 tsunami and the broader disaster in parts of South East Asia, Bilaal launched the UNICEF Canada Kids Earthquake Challenge, asking kids to raise one hundred dollars each. UNICEF Canada named Bilaal their child ambassador and he became a catalyst for raising nearly four million dollars for relief and recovery. He later traveled to Malawi and Tanzania to support children coping with AIDS, and his work has taken him to classrooms and media appearances, where he shares his experiences to inspire others to take action. The experiences of hardship and resilience he witnessed fuel his commitment to service, which now extends to writing and practical guides filled with ideas for how families and students can make a difference. He remains the first to sign up for humanitarian causes and continues to speak openly about his journey.
Those interested in following his model can explore Breakout Online to learn practical steps and start their own humanitarian campaigns, using the Breakout program as a guide and source of ideas. The online hub provides tools, stories, and tips to help youth turn compassion into concrete outcomes. A simple idea, the willingness to organize, and the belief that a single person can ignite change—these are the hallmarks of a breakout movement and a reminder that everyday acts of kindness can snowball into lasting impact.