Children

It has been historically proven that sports bring people and countries closer together, that is what the Olympics has stood for, and ever four years it brings stories of triumph, inspiration and hope. But the Olympics are not the only sports arena where battles have been fought, for many girls around the world sports was, and is, something they could have only in their dreams. Nonetheless many girls took the love and desire of the game to another level, they used it show their voice and demand their rights. One such group of young girls is the Afghan womans soccer team, the first Afghan national women’s soccer team. Shamila Kohestani is the captain of team, and her story, like many other young girls under the iron bars of Talibani rule, is not one of a girl who’s childhood was nothing but roses, but one of endless struggle.

“I was out wearing a burqa, but because I had just started to wear it, I did not have the practice to cover all my body,” Kohestani says. “[The Talib] asked me why I had not covered the front part of my body. So he beat me and I threw the burqa off and escaped” (Female soccer star achieves goals).

A long way from her secret class rooms in Afghanistan, education for girls was strictly forbidden, Shamila is now in the United States to pursue her education, and has yet again defied the odds.

Late in the season at her new school in the United States, Shamila missed the soccer team, but this was no deterrent for the bright teenager, who quickly took on a new sport. Shamila can now be found dribbling not down the soccer field, but the basket ball court!

Regardless of what sport Shamila is playing she shows that determination above all, gives hope to the future! Her future is bright and Shamila knows that the real power of women in Afghanistan is not just found on the field, but in the classrooms, and she continues to remain focused on her studies so that she may return to Afghanistan and it is here where her real battle has begun.

“This was a young woman who had never used a calculator before, did know how to use a computer, but didn’t have one,” said Hardwick, the headmaster. “She had a lot of holes in her educational background, because she had been out of school for about five or six years of her early learning. If there is any great leveler in the world, it’s got to be education, and this is what she wants, she wants to be educated.” (Soccer as an Escape to Hope for Afghan Teenager)

Everyone who has met Shamila believes that their is no stopping her and that she will over come the hurdles that lie before her, just as she has so many times before.

 

More on Shamila and Sports in Afghanistan:
Once Whipped By Taliban, Girl Makes Mark As Soccer Star
Soccer players shoot goals for Afghan women
Afghanistan: Women’s Soccer Wins Support In First Games Abroad

The Afghan Youth Sports Exchange

I would also recommend you check out the movie ‘Osama‘, the first feature film out of the post-Taliban Afghanistan. The film shows one 12 year old girls struggle, as she tries to save her family and disguises herself as a boy to work.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is currently looking for child heroes for their 2008 Huggable Heroes. You can see the 2007 Huggable Heroes here. The 2007 Huggable Heroes where honored for their dedication to raising money and awareness for such issues as AIDS, Cancer, Poverty, and much more, each child hero is an inspiration to children and adults alike.

Founder and Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark stated in a press release;

“There are so many young people out there who continue to set positive examples of compassion, caring and dedication and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. We look forward to finding the 2008 Huggable Heroes and sharing their stories.”

Each Huggable Hero will receive a $7,500 educational scholarship and $2,500 to which will be donated to the charity of their choice. In addition the Huggable Heroes will be sent on a trip together, for the 2009 Huggable Heroes calendar.

Make your nominations today! Nominations can be sent in by anyone including family members, friends, teachers, or even nominees themselves. They will be accepted until Feb. 8, 2008.

When one mentions South Africa the things that quickly come to mind, are apartheid, Nelson Mandela, AIDS, poverty and most of all one thinks of racism. Its difficult to think of the country without thinking of the issue of race, as the lines where deeply etched in the countries history, and lines that deep do not fade very quickly. It was almost 14 years ago that apartheid came to an end, and while the wounds of history remain, they are healing.

One teenage girl shows the nation that you can dance in both the black and white worlds, that they can truly become one even in a country with fresh wounds. Isabella Mosime has a white family, and as a black child, she easily stood out in a country which remains intrigued by the issues of race. However Bella says she doesn’t see race and she socializes on both sides of the fence, however even Bella and her friends still know that while they may have friends of all colors, that there is much more that has to be done to ensure the country truely grows in the “Rainbow Nation” of so many peoples dream’s.

“We have come a long way - interaction is happening between everybody and every race,” she said. “But I think there is not enough understanding. I think we still have a long way to go.”

“I think we are expected to be the perfect nation, but we’re not,” said 16-year-old Khumo Khumalo, a 10th-grader at Parktown Girls who lived in Soweto as a young girl and shares Bella’s love for hip-hop dancing. “That’s because we’ve had so much to deal with. Slowly, day by day, we’re going to get there, because we have so many young people who want to bridge the gap between the races. I have a lot of hope.” (Living beyond racial bounds).

And while the Bella, illustrates the progress that has been made and can be made, the racial divide remains and much needs to be done to see that the gap closes. The key to bringing all South Africans together as one, is hope and determination and that can be found in the children. Bella’s story is only one in a series entitled Mandela’s Children, which has articles that document the issues faced by South Africa’s first post-apartheid generation. The issue of racial discrimination will not go away if we close our eyes, but this generation was born to keep their eyes open, so that future children will hopefully never see the racial divide.

Shortage of electricity plagues many countries, especially in the developing world. However the efforts being made to electrify the continent of Africa fall considerably short of the need. Most would stand in awe at this immense task and wait in anticipation for something to be done. However that was not what one young man in Malawi decided to do, taking action into his own hands, William Kamkwamba, now 20 was only 14 when he began his quest to bring power to his village, after finding a photograph of a windmill. William then set about the task of trying to build one for his own family.

“At first, we were laughing at him,” says Agnes Kamkwamba, his mother. “We thought he was doing something useless.”

William has also built a windmill for the local primary school, and then used it as a learning example to teach an informal windmill-building course. A Young Tinkerer Builds a Windmill, Electrifying a Nation; While the creation of a few windmills has surely changed William and his families lives, it is only a small step in electrifying a nation. William is now working to further his education, and plans to continue building his windmills. William is an inspiration to his village, to his family and to all the young people across the globe that dream of a better future.

Learn More About William and his Windmill:
William Kamkwamba’s Malawi Windmill Blog
TED Speakers- William Kamkwamba
My Hero Community Hero: William Kmakwmba
Malawi Youth Builds Windmill to Power Village
Homemade Windmill in Malawi

Taken from RFK’s, “Day of Affirmation” address at the University of Capetown, South Africa on 6 June 6, 1966, reading this always reminds me that their really is power in one. Just think of all those who have walked the path of action, and what they have managed to accomplish as an individual; Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Su Kyi, Martin Luther King Jr., and countless others. People are as powerful as they want to be, and if you stand with courage, do the right thing in a time of difficulty, and don’t give into the masses, you too can make a difference. I have said it countless times before that we can make a difference, even if a small one, and I can sleep well tonight if only one person reads this and is incited to act in some way at all.

One never knows the power of a smile to change a mans life, the enormity of a kind word to shape the future of a child, the everlasting effect of an act of thoughtfulness. One does not always see the effects of his actions, but they can have an endless effect. Imagine if you see someone on the bus and you strike up the most simplistic of conversation, complementing them in some way, you leave thinking nothing of it, but that person had only been thinking their life was worthless until you stepped into their life…you have now changed their fate. I found the following poem, which I though was quite fitting;

Making A Difference
by: Unknown

If each grain of sand were to say:
One grain does not make a mountain,
There would be no land.

If each drop of water were to say:
One drop does not make an ocean,
There would be no sea.

If each note of music were to say:
Each note does not make a symphony,
There would be no melody.

If each word were to say:
One word does not make a library,
There would be no book.

If each brick were to say:
One brick does not make a wall,
There would be no house.

If each seed were to say:
One seed does not make a field,
There would be no harvest.

If each of us were to say:
One person does not make the difference,
There would never be love and peace on earth.

You and I do make the difference,
Begin today and make the difference.

The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial 2007 Human Rights Award laureate was presented this morning to Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah, of Sudan. The event was opened by Kerry Kennedy, founder The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights.

“…champions of justice are imbued with moral courage. The cause is compelling, the enemies dangerous and powerful. But we are blessed by a handful of Davids, who, with little more than the slingshots of their hearts and nerve and sinew to support them, stand up against a world full of Goliaths. And the angels prevail.”

Dr. Mohammed Ahmed was among hundreds of human rights advocates nominated from across the globe, and he was chosen for his unwaivering dedication to help those in Darfur who need him the most. Dr. Ahmed’s helps those in his country that so many others have turned a blind eye to, the victims so many have been too cowardly to stand and fight for. He protects and heals those survivors of rape, torture, and violence in Darfur, who’s lives have been ripped apart by genocide. By working to see that their lives are restored, that they know the whole world didn’t turn it’s back on them, Dr. Ahmed, not only tirelessly administers medical assistance, he also prescribes hope to a nation.

Ms. Kennedy took a moment to avert the crowds attention to another RFK Human Rights laureate, who also stood fearlessly for the people of his own country. The room stood in applause as Ren Wanding, the 1994 award winner was introduced as a member of the audience. Ding was imprisoned in China for promoting a democratic government and the release of political prisoners, he was unable to accept the RFK award when it was presented to him.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy, then took the stand to introduce this years laureate, speaking on how we must demand as an international community, that attacks on IDP camps and the people of Darfur end now, and that all parties held accountable for their safety and security. Senator Kennedy added that Congress must pass the Sudan Divestment Act. He then commented heavily on Dr. Ahmed’s selfless acts, giving light to the power of individual activism.

“As my brother Bobby so eloquently stated, ‘Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of those acts will be written the history of our generation.’”

Senator Kennedy, with the support and assistance of Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy’s wife, presented the award.
With his arms raised high, his face awash in hope and peace, Dr. Ahmed took the award and stood strong for all of Sudan…he stood strong for all of mankind.

“…I never thought I’d come here today, not just as an individual RFK award winner, but as a citizen of Darfur…I also talk to you on behalf of my patients. The situation on the ground now is critical. The government of Sudan, who is my government, is really now targeting civilians.”

Dr. Ahmed asking for all of Sudan, placed the following plea before us today;

“I urge the United States and the international community to understand these camp liquidations for what they are: the final phase of the Sudanese government’s plan to exterminate the African tribes of Darfur. The fate of the people expelled from the camps is clear: they are left vulnerable to attacks by militias and left without access to the humanitarian aid they rely upon. Because of this situation, they will soon die of preventable disease, malnutrition, starvation or violence – unless they are protected!”

Dr. Ahmed serves as the Medical Treatment Director for the The Amel Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture in Sudan. The word Amel, means hope, which is exactly what the center gives all whom it treats, and to the country from which has given them both life and death. The center provides much needed treatment for women and young girls, who are often raped in front of their own families. “Females are systematically targeted…rape is used as a systematic weapon of war.”, but at the Amel clinic “we make them whole again…make society accept them. We cannot forget them!”, Dr. Ahmed stated. The clinic is a rarity in a country with little to no infrastructure, a country in desperate need of specialized services for widows, rape victims and children born of rape.

“We people in Darfur are badly in need of peace…we have started peace processes…the problem is that the government of Darfur, Sudan hates peace.” “We have to be consulted as the people of Darfur. Libya negotiation table failed as the people of Darfur where not consolidated.”

Kerry Kennedy once again took the stage, and with even more passion in her voice she took the microphone; “President Bashir thinks if there is no witnesses then it didn’t happen. He can only do this as long as we do not act.”, she said.
Ms. Kennedy then introduced Mia Farrow UN Goodwill Ambassador, mother of 14, actress, and activist, to speak on the situation in Sudan. Farrow has taken seven missions to Darfur in the last five years, and will take her eighth mission this coming January, her work and her words where nothing less then heart provoking. Showing photos from here previous journeys’ to Sudan, Farrow gave a face to the human suffering that has gone ignored for far too long by so many.

Farrow wasted no time, and did not begin her speech with a light and fluffy introduction, she simply aimed to bring the suffering of the people of Sudan to light, and her words hit hard;

“After the Nazi Holocaust, the world vowed “never again.” How obscenely disingenuous those fine words sound today. As we look at Rwanda, Darfur and eastern Chad, are we to conclude that “never again” applies only to white people?”

Farrow continued to speak strong, her words coming from her heart and from those who’s suffering she has witnessed first hand. “Almost five years of this suffering is five years too long! …what are we saying to the people of Darfur, only that they are completely dispensable.” Referring to “responsibility to protect”, the UN Security Council’s unanimous adoption of Resolution 1769 on Sudan, words which Farrow stated, “are proving to be as hollow as ‘never again’.” “we have failed Rwanda and we are failing Sudan…collectively and individually we have failed them.” Her voice full of passion, her eyes overwhelmed and verging on tears, as Farrow spoke on what she has seen, what she has heard, and most of all on what has failed to be done.

In closing Kerry Kennedy appeared to be speaking words broken by emotion, as she called the audience to do a traditional call for rain…the room filled with snaps, taps, stomps…and hope as the prayed for rain in Darfur. “With the hope of Dr. Ahmed, let us hope that in Darfur justice rains!”

The room was left in awe, and incited with passion, a passion one can only hope will lead one to stand-up and speak out for those who’s cries have long since fallen on deaf ears. Let us not turn our backs for one more day on the innocent woman, children and men of Darfur. To Dr. Ahmed the answer is simple, “Either protect the people of Darfur, or see Rwanda again. No one wants to see Rwanda again!”

Resources and Documents:

See all the RFK Human Rights Award Laureates here.
Release: Darfuri Doctor and Rights Defender to Receive 2007 RFK Human Rights Award
Speech: Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah at 2007 RFK Human Rights Award Ceremony
Speech: Kerry Kennedy at 2007 RFK Human Rights Award Ceremony
Speech: Senator Edward Kennedy at 2007 RFK Human Rights Award Ceremony
Speech: Mia Farrow at 2007 RFK Human Rights Award Ceremony
Washington Post article: Physician Honored For Work In Darfur
Voices of Genocide Prevention Podcast: Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah
AP Article: Doctor warns of Darfur camp expulsions
AP Article: Darfur Doctor Wins RFK Award
Voice of America, Webchat Transcript: Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdallah
Video from C-SPAN: Dr. Mohammed Ahmed at National Press Club Briefing
Interpress News Service article: Sudan: Civilians Driven Into Camps, Then the Bush
Washington Times article: Embassy Row (featuring Dr. Mohammed Ahmed)
Sudan Divestment Task Force
Mia Farrow’s Blog and photos on Darfur
Save Darfur

*please note some quoted statements, may differ slightly from they typed speeches in the links, as they where submitted prior to the event, and some quotes are taken at the event it’s self.

For those of you who are unaware CNN is doing a special series on everyday hero’s, many of which work directly with, or touch on the lives of children around the world. CNN Heroes

The series will end on Thursday, December 6, 2007, with a special live global telecast, which will air at 9pm ET / 6pm PT / 2am Dec. 7 GMT. The show will be hosted by CNN’s Anderson Cooper with Christiane Amanpour, and looks to honor viewer-nominated heroes, which where chosen by a blue-ribbon panel of world leaders and luminaries.

I encourage all of you to look at each weeks nominees in one of the six categories, which include: Defending the Planet, Medical Marvel, Fighting for Justice, Community Crusader, Championing Children, Young Wonder.

Have your children go on and look at the Young Wonder category, and see the amazing work these five kids have done to impact our world for the better. Seeing what a child can do, leaves most of us adults with little recourse to say the old adage, “what can I do, I’m only one person.” These five “wonders” include: Zach Hunter, 15 whose campaign, Loose Change to Loosen Chains, has raised more than $20,000 to help free slaves around the world. Ryan Hreljac, 16, who created Ryan’s Well Foundation which has built 266 wells in 12 developing countries, bringing clean water to more than 435,000 people. Savannah Walters, 14, who started “Pump ‘Em Up,” a non-profit organization that has distributed 10,000 tire gauges to convince motorist to waste less gas by simply keeping their tires inflated properly. Ana Dodson, 15, who started Peruvian Hearts, raising nearly $40,000 for orphans. Pat Pedraja, 12, a leukemia patient, traveled the country to encourage minorities to register and donate much needed bone marrow.

I do apologize for announcing this after voting has culminated for the first two categories. The current set of hero’s, Fighting for Justice, has 5 everyday heroes who are working against human trafficking, and as many of you know this is a cause which has embattled, and enslaved millions of children.

No one is ever too small to have an impact on the life of a child! Your effect on a child, and the world around, is bigger than you think. For a small action can often have an even longer lasting effect.

So start to share your impact today…discuss some of the topics and stories on this site, you may inspire the next big humanitarian; Listen to a child, they may have a cry for help you haven’t heard; become a Big Sister or Brother, or even a Foster Parent; Donate your money or time to one of the many children’s causes. Regardless of what you do, never underestimate the impact you have on a child, their world and our global community.

While you are never too small to have an impact, nor is a child. Children too can have a lasting impact on the lives of other children, and our world.

Children around the world are reaching out for help…give your hand to one of them today!

*Anita Roddick (1942-2007), was the founder of the Body Shop and while she was often under the spotlight and criticized she was a lifetime humanitarian. With her husband she saw that much needed orphanages where built, with the charity Children On The Edge.

Please see my links for more information, and other organizations, such as Kids Can Make A Difference.

I am often asked a number of questions regarding to the feelings, views, and capabilities of children in our society, and while I state clearly now I am by far no expert on the matter of the mind of a child, and the statements are merely my views, thoughts and opinions on the questions at hand, all are intended to create and stir -up a discussion. Therefore I strongly encourage you to leave your own thoughts and ideas, in the comments section of this post.

Earlier this week I was asked the question, “what is the children’s perspective, ie what do they think, hopes, aspirations, fears, etc.?” I think this is a great topic for discussion, and one that is given little thought to by most. Unfortunately one I have delved into, but not as in depth as I would like. From my own discussions with children, it would be quite varied by age and somewhat by region. However children are much more preceptive to the issues of the global world than we give them credit for. Children are also very positive role models in society, especially in that of a developing society. I recently wrote about the Children’s Parliament in the DRC, which maybe of interest to you. In addition please see the postings that have been done on child humanitarians, in my Humanitarian Spotlight section.

I was also asked a series of questions, by a friend and I wanted to share my responses to him with you:

1) Do you think that children should be allowed to vote?
Honestly, with our system and topics of legislation, No. Mainly as I feel they are not the decisions that a child is yet ready to make. We have a hard enough time in this country getting our adults to vote. While I stated that I didn’t think children should be able to vote, I do believe there are a number of areas where, children of a certain age (varying on topic), could contribute to. Regardless of legally allowing a child to vote, we can not deny their voice, nor the fact that quite often they are paying better attention to the world than we are.

2)If they were able to vote what would they vote for?
From my own experiences with children, I think that they would vote for most issues of human rights, such as the death penalty, abortion, war, etc. Children have a clear and decisive mind, at a rather early age, especially if given the right environment to freely express themselves and develop their own opinions, therefore a child is probably less likely to be on the fence about many of the issues.

3) I had an interesting discussion tonight on this subject and the response was children would not know what they are voting for. Is that true?
I think the answer is a bit yes and no. On some issues they understand more than we give them credit, but on detailed policies I think it is asking too much. Ask a child if another child should be denied an education, should a man die for a certain crime, should we go to war, etc., and I think they have a clear understanding.

4) If children could vote and policies began to focus attention on pure concerns of children would there be a reduction of child trafficking?
Obviously again the issue of age comes into effect, for it could surely be said for most 13-17 year olds, could see the issues as clear as an 18 year old. Would their be a decrease in child trafficking if children could vote, is an interesting question. The answer I really don’t know. As the topic is only emerging into the public spotlight in recent years, its safe to say that many voting adults could not have curbed it for lack of information or policy to vote on. However if children where thrust into voting while in public spotlight, I could see an increase in passed legislation. The sad reality is we have many good laws around the world, and is in no way legal to hold a human as a slave, yet despite all of our laws and the age of our voters it continues.

Again I want to state these are only my thoughts based on my own work and experiences, I am not a child of today and therefore cannot speak from such a perspective. I know I have only touched on the topics, but I think these deserve some more thought and debate. I hear there is an upcoming TV show about kids running their own town, ‘Kid Nation’, of which there has been a great deal of debate over issues of abuse, which I will cover in a coming post. The show may be worth a watching as a social experiment, but I do know without a doubt, that kids are smarter than we give them credit for. However I look forward to hearing what all of you have to say. As and end note, I will talk directly with some of the children I work with to see if I can get some of their opinions on the site.

Links of Interest:
Inspiring Kids Make a Difference
Kids Helping Kids - UNICEF
Kids Help Kids

The ‘cycle of abuse’, we’ve all heard the phrase a million times, yet I often think we forget what it means. It does not only mean the cycle, or stages, in which abuses are carried out. A child who grows up in an abusive home, is sexually abused, is a victim of trafficking, a child soldier…unfortunately the list of grave injustices against children goes on and on, is never able to escape the cycle of abuse. Therefore a child of abuse is at an increased risk to become an abuser, victim of sexual assault, become socially isolated, turn to drugs and alcohol, and various other form of self destructive behavior or susceptible to varying forms of continued abuse. We, as an international community must work to ensure that all children have been given their right to protection, both to prevent such abuses, and to assist the abused in their recovery. Therefore substantial physical and psychological care must be given to victims.