AIC Simulation Reflection: The Good and The Bad

For the AIC Simulation, I represented Walid Muallem, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Syria.  The simulation was very helpful because it established country's interactions with one another - which country sides with which state, and the relationships between the countries.  In addition, although the simulation was helpful and a great learning tool, it was frustrating at times due to the lack of communication between diplomats.  Due to the lack of communication, I was not able to accomplish and achieve as many goals, however, it taught me how to think and act strategically.  Our NSA for the simulation wrote our team a reflection and it reflected the good and the bad of the simulation.
The Good: Syria's greatest achievement in the AIC Simulation was my press release (Walid Muallem) "Syria Achieves Its Goal."  I called out to the European Union for their lack of communication and gave them the ultimatum of 48 hours to respond.  They did not respond within the 48 hour time frame, therefore, Syria successfully regained control over importing and exporting oil.  Our NSA said "This was a strategic move and I appreciated your thinking here, Mr. Muallem." In addition, our efforts and contributions to achieve our goals were acknowledged by our NSA despite the time frame completion in the simulation.
The Bad:  Syria had a slower start into the simulation than other countries however, by the end of the simulation, we were able to "leave our mark."
Syria was able to accomplish a few of the important goals we set before the simulation began.  And throughout the simulation, we strived to achieve them through actions and communications with other diplomats.  The AIC Conflicts Simulation was a great learning tool and a great experience to take part in!

Out of everything bad, something good comes!

Out of everything bad, something good comes!  This quote speaks directly to a person's character, integrity, and courage. I hold this quote very close to my heart.  I use it to give myself strength and courage to get me through the day.  This quote turns a negative event, experience, or thought to a positive outlook.  Although this quote does not originate from anyone in human history, it originated from someone very dear to my heart, my mom! My mom and I have had a very tough past few years but with each other's strength, courage, faith, and love, and this quote, we have made it through...stronger than what we were before!
Even if something bad happens, something good will come with it.  It may take a while for you to see the good outcome, however, it will come.  Whether the good is a lesson, or a physical object of good, you will benefit from it.  It is a psychological idea and outlook on life, and it is very crucial to have a positive attitude about negative situations.
This quote can help people become more focused and active global citizens by having hope, faith, optimism, and positivity that good events will happen no matter the severity of the bad.  Whether it be a natural disaster such as the Earthquake in Japan, or a War in Afghanistan, Poverty and Drought in Africa, social issues with your friends, or family problems at home, good will come!  Having a positive outlook will improve negative situations and help start the healing and recovery process on whatever someone has been through.
Out of everything bad, something good comes is a life philosophy that is great to live by, and it improves people's outlook on life, and helps people become focused and active global citizens.  It truly reflects a person's character, integrity, and courage!

Will Evil Triumph?

"All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing." - Sir Edmund Burke, 1769.

Our world is surrounded and embedded with good and evil.  The good is the happiness, love, laughter, helping others, and celebration in our daily lives.  However, we are surrounded by evil, as well.  The evil is war, disruption, corruption, sadness, death, bullying, and many more. 
Good and evil has been in our world since the beginning of mankind, and it still occurs today in the 21st Century.  Good and evil can be in various forms; it is in our world, our countries, our communities, and even our schools.  Evilness such as war and bullying hurt and destroy people.  If good people do not stand up for those being triumphed by evil, there will be no hope for the good to prevail.  The good must stand up for those who don't have a voice or those in need of help.  However, if the good just turns a blind eye to those in need, evil will take over and triumph our community, our country, our world.
Current day examples of evil triumphing good, and the good trying to overcome the evil are all over our world from Peace Keeping Missions in the Middle East, to raising awareness for bullying in schools and their surrounding communities.  The Peace Keeping Missions in the Middle East are aiding the conflicts within various countries.  With these Peace Keeping Missions, they are attempting to restore and maintain peace in war torn cities and countries.  The good are preventing the evil to take over.
Another example would be raising awareness and taking action against school bullying.  Bullying against gays, the disabled, or vulnerable people have become more prevalent in today's society and we have witnessed several sad, shocking, and disturbing stories about young suicides due to bullying in our school systems.  Awareness has been raised and action is being taken about these issues and we are trying to prevent the evil from triumphing.
This quote from Sir Edmund Burke is a very accurate and applicable to today's society!

To Act or Not to Act

To Act or Not to Act, that is the question! Taking action can deter people from voicing their opinions and standing up for what's right.  Sometimes people just feel that problems will fix themselves if they don't raise their voice.  However, to act is the most beneficial humanitarian act that a person can do to improve the lives of others! I am very passionate about many situations and issues around the world; I enjoy taking action and improving the lives of others around the world.  Although, at times, I feel that I am unable and powerless to make a difference with my actions so the negativity overcomes the joy of taking action.  But through motivation and inspiration, those negative thoughts are turned into positives, and action is taken!

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Atlantic coast of North America, especially New Orleans and Louisiana. I was saddened by the devastation that I saw and I had an idea to help those students of school closures who were in shelters and had no schools to attend or school supplies to use. My idea to help those in need led to a plan for a school supply drive and the creation of “Kids2Kids”. My concern was that there were thousands of displaced students but there was only one of me. Initially, my plan involved just my school. However, I soon realized I needed a larger audience. With the support of my teachers, my Head Master, and my mom I approached the Halton Board of Education, 3 large corporations and a national charity.  It was important for everyone to understand they could each make a difference...including myself!  I was successful in gaining each of their support. I collected school supplies organized by grade, and corporations donated personal hygiene products and non perishable food products. Each student who donated an item also wrote a personal note of encouragement. Teams were organized to pack supply sacs, which contained the school supplies, the food products, and a personal note. A local business aided with the transportation of the sacs and the Salvation Army assisted with the clearance of customs. My initial sadness led to an idea, my idea led to a plan. During the implementation of my plan I encountered numerous road blocks and obstacles and there were many times I felt discouraged and defeated.  For example, when our shipment was halted at the border based on school supplies not covered by NAFTA.  Although I was only 11 years old I was determined that my idea to help could not be ignored or prevented.  I learned that working as a team and not being afraid to ask for assistance were the key elements of success. Each obstacle I encountered resulted in a resolution.  My resolution involved asking for help which led to the success of providing over 2000 students school supplies in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Choosing to act is one of the most rewarding decisions someone can make; it not only improves your confidence which shows that you are capable of taking action, but it improves the lives of others impacted by your actions around the world!

Human Rights: Marc and Craig Keilburger

Marc and Craig Keilburger, co-founders of Me to We and Free the Children are humanitarians, ambassadors, role models, and human rights activists for people around the world.  Marc and Craig have and are making a difference in not only several countries around the world, they are making a difference in someones life!  Free the Children and Me to We are currently involved with the following countries: China, Ecuador, India, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Haiti.  And within these countries, the following actions are taking place to improve the lives of people: Clean Water, Health Care, Education and Alternative Income.  With the implementation of these programs, human rights for people across the world have been improved!  The basic human rights for people across the world are food, water, and shelter.  This being said, there is a harsh reality of this fact.  Billions of people across the world do not have access to clean water, food, or shelter.  Sadly, some people go one, two, sometimes three days without food...These horrific situations are what motivate human rights activists, like the Keilburger brothers, to make change!
To date, 650 schools have been built in Me to We and Free the Children countries, and that equals to approximately 55,000 children being taught each day, and having the chance to have an education! One million people have been provided with access to clean drinking water, health care, and improve sanitation facilities.  30 thousand women have been equipped to become economically self-sufficient through alternative income projects.
These are just a few examples of the thousands of changes and differences have impacted and helped millions of people across the world, thanks to the actions of the Keilburger brothers, along with Me to We and Free the Children!
Marc and Craig Keilburger have provided me with inspiration to be the change and make a difference in someones life.  In grade 6, Marc Keilburger came to HSC to speak to a group of students about his journey and his story.  Since that day when I was 11, Marc has provided me with the inspiration and motivation to make a difference.  Fighting for what you think and know is right, fighting for what you believe in, and fighting for someones rights is truly important to me and it is way to raise your voice and raise awareness for people in-need across the world!

Globalization and Interdependence

"We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations, far away.... We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human community." - Franklin D. Roosevelt, Former US President, 1945.

 

Interdependence and globalization can be defined and explained in many different ways: connected globaly, dependence on eachother, trust and reliability, division of labour, and globalization.  Interdependence can be seen within countries and across our world!

This quote by former US President Roosevelt provides powerful message and a realization on how interdependent our world truly is.  The first part of the quote captures the essence of one nation being dependent on another nation, despite the distance that separates them.  Our well-being in today's world is based on economics, relations with other countries, trade issues, religion, and many more.  The survival of some countries are solely based on their economic status and their trades with other countries, or their inter-relations with each other.  Being dependent on other nations can represent the survival of a country.

The second part of the quote emphasizes the fact that despite individuals living in a big world, we are all apart of a global community...together.  Our survival is dependent on how others act, what we do within our nation and on the international stage, and how we interact with each other.

This quote as a whole reflects and embodies how our world is today because it captures the reality of how reliant we are on each other, no matter what the situation is.

There are 3 main shifts of interdependence: Dominance to Partnership, Fragmentation to Connection, Insecurity to Interdependence.  These 3 shifts are prominent to interdependence and outlines the shift of our world in today's society.  We are truly globalizing our world, and we are interdependent of one another.  The first shift, Dominance to Partnership, focuses on the move from control and competition to working together to achieve a common goal.  The second shift, Fragmentation to Connection, explains the significance of movement from being alone and separate to connecting and coming together as a whole on the world stage.  The third and final movement, Insecurity to Interdependence, emphasizes the importance of changing the uncertainty and the fear of failure to the strength and chance of survival with working together.

Interdependence and globalization can be seen in a family, a community, a nation or the world, and it is significant to advancing our world together!

AIC Reflection and the European Debt Crisis

For the AIC Simulation, I represent Walid Muallem, Foreign Affairs Minister for Syria.  Thus far in the simulation, I have contacted Catherine Ashton from the European Union to begin negotiations regarding Syria's ability to import oil; whether or not we will be given back the right to import oil into our country.  Unfortunately, after a few emails, I have yet to hear back from this European Union representative.
I have also been in touch with a few other country representatives, however, I have not heard back from any of the reps; Ali Akbar Salehi from Iran and Mahmoud Zahhar from Palestinian Hamas.
Syria's goals for this simulation are: To ensure that Palestine is given a seat on the United Nations and to be recognized as an independent state, Regain control over Golan Heights from the Israelis, Regain the ability to import oil into Syria, and Maintain strong relations with Iran.

The European Debt Crisis has rocked and sent the world's economy into turmoil, and our world's economy risks a double dip recession.  Greece has been a hot topic in the news over the past weeks and months regarding their economic crisis; bailouts and risk of default.  Lots of controversy has surrounded Greece's economic crisis and how their leader is handling the issue.  Prime Minister Papandreou has now officially stepped down from office after almost jeopardizing the recent bailout by holding it to a referendum vote.  Thankfully, that did not happen however it left countries and investors non-confident about Greece's future.
The European Debt Crisis has rippled its way to Italy; Italy is the next European nation facing significant economic turmoil.  To date, Italy holds debt of 119% of their own GDP.  Italy must implement strict austerity measures if they hope to a) receive a bailout from the IMF and the European Union, and b) recover and improve their debt.  Today, Italy's Prime Minister Berlusconi has stepped down, and Italy has nominated a new Prime Minister to help solve this financial and economic crisis.  Mario Monti, former European Commissioner, is now the new Prime Minister for Italy.  With Monti's financial and economic background, Italy hopes to improve their economy by implementing strict austerity measures to pull Italy out of this economic turmoil.
Italy will be the next hot topic in the news and must be watched very closely to fully understand this country's economic crisis.

My Kenyan Journey

This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Kenya on a service trip with Me to We!

It was a 3 week service trip in a community in the Masaii Mara called Salabwek.  It was truly the best 3 weeks of my life! Being able to immerse yourself into a community, get to know the children, play with them, learn their names, and meet the Mamas of the community is a phenomenal and up-lifting feeling that I would not trade in for the world!

When people ask me ‘How was Kenya?!’ It is sort of hard to come up with a synopsis of my experience and give them a nut shell story of my trip. I try my best, but I feel that I can never fully explain and share my memories and stories for people to fully understand the feelings of my service trip!

There were so many highlights of my trip that I will cherish and remember for ever! Some of my highlights include: the Water Walk with the Mamas.  The Water Walk is a walk that Mamas make a minimum of 4 times a day to get their water.  And some Mamas have to walk 6km ONE way to get there 20L bucket of water filled.  That’s 12km X 4 = 48km! They walk over a marathon everyday to get water for their family and to complete their daily chores.  We walked 45 minutes to get to the pond to get water for Mama Beatrice who was showing us around the Salabwek community.  We (my Kenya group) each had the opportunity to carry the 20L water jug.  As we arrived at the pond, we had a harsh reality right in front of our eyes.  Many people get their drinking water from this small pond, however this is the same pond that local cows bathe in and use as a bathroom.  These people drink this contaminated water. Thankfully, some families boil the water so the bacteria is killed.  But sadly, many families still continue to drink contaminated water.  It was a harsh reality that we witnessed right before our eyes, but it was so eye opening to see how much still needs to be done!

Another highlight of mine was definitely building the school! For our group, we had 2 worksites at the Free the Children Primary School.  One worksite was building Classroom 19.  And the other was the Library.  At the classroom worksite, we were building the walls for the classroom.  And at the library worksite, we were digging the foundation.  I worked primarily on the Library build site for the majority of the trip.  We would pick-ax and shovel the dirt in the trenches.  We started at a 1 foot trench, and finished at 4 feet.  We also got to make and pour concrete and foundation for the bottom of the trenches! It was so exciting to see our progress throughout the entire trip, especially when our trip came to an end!  To see and feel that we were making a difference in these children’s lives, is one of the most rewarding feelings ever!

Many global issues are within this country and affect communities across the nation - including the community of Salabwek! Issues such as: Poverty, hunger, drought, disease, lack of water and education.

A significant issue that can be connected to my trip to Kenya is education.  Schools are very sparse in Kenya, and having the opportunity to attend school as a child is rare.  Worldwide, 121 million children of Primary School age do not go to school!  However, the number of children attending school is growing! Many children have to stay home and sacrifice education to help out with the daily chores - getting water, fetching firewood, cleaning the house, or going to the market to sell their goods to make money in order to buy food that they need.  As well, families with numerous number of children will have to make a choice on which child they will send to school and have the opportunity to have an education.  With Free the Children and Me to We building schools in Kenya, we are giving more children the opportunity to go to school and have an education. To date, Me to We has built over 650 schools, and over 55 thousand children have been given access to edcuation!  With placing schools in more communities, we decrease the amount of walking time for the children to go to school and increase the number of children attending school each year.  Some children walk 2-3 hours ONE WAY to get to school! Giving children education teaches them how to read and write and it will give them the knowledge to make wise choices for themselves in the future whether it be regarding a job, or everyday decisions. 
Education empowers children and communities which will enable them to break the cycle of poverty for future generations!