As I move onto the next phase of my life, I hope that I will become even more involved with my surrounding community as well as the international community. At Queen's University (where I am attending next year), there are countless organizations, student groups, and charities run by students at the university raising awareness and taking action for various causes in the community and around the world. Some of the student groups include: Free the Children group, Student Council, Gender and Women's Issues Committee, and the Cancer Triad. All of these students groups look at several different issues ranging from women's rights, human rights, improving standard of living, eradicating poverty, raising funds for cancer, and so on. Due to the open access to these clubs and organizations at university, I feel that I will find a right place to affect change and improve the lives of others.
Ever since I was very young, I have been passionate about current events and changing the world, and even now, I still have the same passion. However, it is stronger than ever due to the education and opportunities I have been given over the past 12 years. Also, after my trip to Kenya, my passion to eradicate poverty, and provide access to clean water for families in impoverished nations is of the utmost importance for me. After a year of World Issues, a journey to Kenya and seeing devastation for my own eyes, poverty and access to clean water will be my main focus in creating change.
My journey through HSC, and soon to be Queen's University has and will enable me to create change. I have been taught the fundamental skills to take action and I aim to make a difference in someones life. I have been inspired by people such as Marc and Craig Kielburger and Spencer West, and with that guidance, I am inspired to create change of my own.
Be the Change - Free the Children, Marc and Craig Kielburger
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Canada's Biggest Threat
Many problems will effect Canada over the next 50 years. Human rights issues, wars, water crises, poverty, famine, drought, and global warming have plagued our world for decades. However, some are bigger threats to Canada than others.
In my opinion, the biggest threat facing Canada in the next 50 years is a Water Crisis. Over the past 50 years, the population has almost tripled which has put a strain on our resources around the world, including our water sources. Water is the essential component of life, without it, no human being could survive. According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, 2 billion people lack access to clean water, and 1 billion people do not have enough water to meet their daily needs. In less than 50 years, the world's population will increase to approximately 9 billion people which will put an even more significant strain on our world's water sources. Canada is home to one of the largest water resources in the world. And in the next 50 years as the water crisis becomes more severe, countries will become reliant and/or dependant on Canada for water. The United Nations deems water as a human right, however, Canada does not. With the United Nations recognizing water as a human right, many countries around the world have adopted the same recognition. As more and more countries acknowledge the human right, countries that do not have enough water sources for their population will become more dependant and reliant on countries with larger water sources. This may become increasingly difficult due to Global Warming - the increased Earth's temperatures, as well as the increase in the world's population.
Unless the world begins to be more water conservative and implement programs which will enable water to be more easily accessed as well as preserved, water will be depleted in the next 50 years and our resources will become sparse. This is Canada's biggest threat, and action must be taken in order to decrease the risk of this global water crisis.
In my opinion, the biggest threat facing Canada in the next 50 years is a Water Crisis. Over the past 50 years, the population has almost tripled which has put a strain on our resources around the world, including our water sources. Water is the essential component of life, without it, no human being could survive. According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, 2 billion people lack access to clean water, and 1 billion people do not have enough water to meet their daily needs. In less than 50 years, the world's population will increase to approximately 9 billion people which will put an even more significant strain on our world's water sources. Canada is home to one of the largest water resources in the world. And in the next 50 years as the water crisis becomes more severe, countries will become reliant and/or dependant on Canada for water. The United Nations deems water as a human right, however, Canada does not. With the United Nations recognizing water as a human right, many countries around the world have adopted the same recognition. As more and more countries acknowledge the human right, countries that do not have enough water sources for their population will become more dependant and reliant on countries with larger water sources. This may become increasingly difficult due to Global Warming - the increased Earth's temperatures, as well as the increase in the world's population.
Unless the world begins to be more water conservative and implement programs which will enable water to be more easily accessed as well as preserved, water will be depleted in the next 50 years and our resources will become sparse. This is Canada's biggest threat, and action must be taken in order to decrease the risk of this global water crisis.
Self Reflection
I have always been passionate about current events and world issues. This year during the course, I expanded my knowledge of various issues around the work as well as finding my passion on what I would like to change. Not only have I expanded my knowledge of various issues, I have grown as a person. Becoming aware of worldwide issues is extremely important. Without knowledge and awareness, issues such as poverty, child trafficking, and declining biodiversity would not be known and could not be helped.
This year alone has been filled with several current events ranging from Kony 2012, human rights issues and violations in Syria, the continuation of the Arab Spring, and the drought and famine in the horn of Africa. No matter what the issue was, I became intrigued and interested on how to help. At school and in my community, I am apart of the Me to We committee, Colin B. Glassco Foundation, the Prefects and a few other committees and organizations. With combination of our knowledge in the World Issues course as well as current events, we can relate it right back to our humanitarian work through various organizations.
World Issues has also guided me into the direction of my future university studies. I have always been interested in Law, however, in Canada you cannot go into law school directly after high school. So I had to decide on an undergraduate degree for my 4 years in university before law school. I have decided to take the path of Global Development as my major which looks at all aspects from our world from economics, business, agriculture, and gender equality. I feel that this program best suits me and my passions, and world issues has been a significant and great catalyst for my future.
As this course comes to an end, as well as my high school career, I have grown a lot and my passions and interests in solving world issues have expanded and prospered greatly over the past 4 years, especially in my final year.
This year alone has been filled with several current events ranging from Kony 2012, human rights issues and violations in Syria, the continuation of the Arab Spring, and the drought and famine in the horn of Africa. No matter what the issue was, I became intrigued and interested on how to help. At school and in my community, I am apart of the Me to We committee, Colin B. Glassco Foundation, the Prefects and a few other committees and organizations. With combination of our knowledge in the World Issues course as well as current events, we can relate it right back to our humanitarian work through various organizations.
World Issues has also guided me into the direction of my future university studies. I have always been interested in Law, however, in Canada you cannot go into law school directly after high school. So I had to decide on an undergraduate degree for my 4 years in university before law school. I have decided to take the path of Global Development as my major which looks at all aspects from our world from economics, business, agriculture, and gender equality. I feel that this program best suits me and my passions, and world issues has been a significant and great catalyst for my future.
As this course comes to an end, as well as my high school career, I have grown a lot and my passions and interests in solving world issues have expanded and prospered greatly over the past 4 years, especially in my final year.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Important Issues
Throughout this year in World Issues, we have discussed numerous important issues. And each one of those issues can relate to a current issue either in our lives, our academics, in our nation or currently happening on the world stage.
The 3 most important issues that I have learned about during this course are as follows:
1. Arab-Israeli Conflict. This conflict has been transpiring for decades and is still occurring today. This conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis is extremely significant and pressing due to the violent nature of the conflict. There are many interpretations and opinions of the Arab-Israeli Conflict over rightful land ownership; whether or not the Israelis have the rightful ownership to the land versus the Arabs. Both claims to land are in their religious testaments which causes an increase in the tension and conflict. This was a very important issue to learn in World Issues, and the significance was shown through the extensive amount of time and work we spent on this issue. As a class, we went into extensive detail regarding this issue and this was extremely beneficial because we discover and attempt to understand the root of the problem and the cause of this conflict. Also, we discussed and discovered the ongoing political tensions, and this was also important because we can relate it to what is currently transpiring overseas and attempted peace negotiations between the two sides. Hopefully in the next few years we will see peace between the Arabs and the Israelis, however until then, discussion in classes such as world issues is extremely important.
2. Poverty. After numerous discussions about world issues and current events, I have noticed a trend and a pattern to a majority of world issues, and this was especially seen during our ISU presentations. The root and primary cause to many issues is Poverty. Issues such as gender inequality, HIV/Aids, child slavery and trafficking, and lack of education are issues that are extremely significant and must be eradicated in order to improve our world as a whole. However, the primary source must be targeted, and for a majority of those problems, poverty is the main issue. I found discussion of poverty extremely important. Also, because I have witnessed poverty first hand in Kenya, it is a topic that I hold very dear to my heart and I would like to see change and improvements in our world.
3. Education. Yes our class laughs and jokes when we bring up education because it stems back to every single issue, however, it is extremely important. Here in Canada we are extremely fortunate to have the luxury and opportunity to attend school ever day and despite this privilege, many people complain about it. However, in countless countries across the world, education is not an option for millions of people due to health conditions, family chores, or even lack of educational facilities and teachers. Each day, children in Africa and various other countries and continents are excited and blessed with the gift to go to school. It is deemed a blessing to be able to go to school in under developed and developing nations. Without education and the knowledge we have, our world would be at a loss. Wars would not be stopped, and international crises such as poverty, hunger, and health pandemics could not be solved or prevented. Education is the most important thing available to us in the world, in my opinion, and I feel that it should be given to every single child and person in the world! Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to an education." No matter the struggles or the challenges, countries and organizations should make it possible for every child to receive an education. Yes the numbers are increasing, however, they are not there yet. Raising awareness about education and the need and necessity for it, is extremely important and that is why it was in my top three important issues for World Issues this year.
The 3 most important issues that I have learned about during this course are as follows:
1. Arab-Israeli Conflict. This conflict has been transpiring for decades and is still occurring today. This conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis is extremely significant and pressing due to the violent nature of the conflict. There are many interpretations and opinions of the Arab-Israeli Conflict over rightful land ownership; whether or not the Israelis have the rightful ownership to the land versus the Arabs. Both claims to land are in their religious testaments which causes an increase in the tension and conflict. This was a very important issue to learn in World Issues, and the significance was shown through the extensive amount of time and work we spent on this issue. As a class, we went into extensive detail regarding this issue and this was extremely beneficial because we discover and attempt to understand the root of the problem and the cause of this conflict. Also, we discussed and discovered the ongoing political tensions, and this was also important because we can relate it to what is currently transpiring overseas and attempted peace negotiations between the two sides. Hopefully in the next few years we will see peace between the Arabs and the Israelis, however until then, discussion in classes such as world issues is extremely important.
2. Poverty. After numerous discussions about world issues and current events, I have noticed a trend and a pattern to a majority of world issues, and this was especially seen during our ISU presentations. The root and primary cause to many issues is Poverty. Issues such as gender inequality, HIV/Aids, child slavery and trafficking, and lack of education are issues that are extremely significant and must be eradicated in order to improve our world as a whole. However, the primary source must be targeted, and for a majority of those problems, poverty is the main issue. I found discussion of poverty extremely important. Also, because I have witnessed poverty first hand in Kenya, it is a topic that I hold very dear to my heart and I would like to see change and improvements in our world.
3. Education. Yes our class laughs and jokes when we bring up education because it stems back to every single issue, however, it is extremely important. Here in Canada we are extremely fortunate to have the luxury and opportunity to attend school ever day and despite this privilege, many people complain about it. However, in countless countries across the world, education is not an option for millions of people due to health conditions, family chores, or even lack of educational facilities and teachers. Each day, children in Africa and various other countries and continents are excited and blessed with the gift to go to school. It is deemed a blessing to be able to go to school in under developed and developing nations. Without education and the knowledge we have, our world would be at a loss. Wars would not be stopped, and international crises such as poverty, hunger, and health pandemics could not be solved or prevented. Education is the most important thing available to us in the world, in my opinion, and I feel that it should be given to every single child and person in the world! Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to an education." No matter the struggles or the challenges, countries and organizations should make it possible for every child to receive an education. Yes the numbers are increasing, however, they are not there yet. Raising awareness about education and the need and necessity for it, is extremely important and that is why it was in my top three important issues for World Issues this year.
ISU Reflection
The most interesting and important topic that I learned during the presentations was Child Slavery and Child Trafficking. The presentation was filled with facts and real life examples which was extremely significant and beneficial to the audience because we could relate it to our everyday life and the impacts this world issue has. Child slavery and child trafficking is even in our own country, however, it effects the entire world. This issue is extremely significant because it impacts our future generations. In addition, child slavery and child trafficking is caused and continues to occur due to many other global issues such as poverty, disparity, economic collapse, war, gender inequality, and lack of education. Throughout the various presentations, the Millennium Development Goals were brought up and how they relate to global issues. Although there is no specific goal for child slavery and child trafficking, many of the goals will impact and help combat this issue. Specifically, Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education, and Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women. These 3 goals can directly target, combat, and eradicate child slavery and child trafficking. Not only could this topic relate to so many world events in today's society, I found it the most interesting and most important presentation during the ISU unit.
The presentation on child slavery and child trafficking allowed me to broaden my perspective on global issues and not only focus on poverty. Although poverty is a primary cause to many global issues, child slavery and child trafficking is another issue that is significant and requires much more awareness in order to help solve the problem. Also, it shed light on the fact that child slavery and child trafficking is not only overseas in the Asian and Pacific countries, it is even in our own country. Our world, although huge in size, it is becoming smaller and smaller through globalization. World issues are becoming more known but there is still a lot of work to be done. Our future generations will have to live with our mistakes, and if we don't fix these global issues soon, they will continue to plague our world for generations to come.
The presentation on child slavery and child trafficking allowed me to broaden my perspective on global issues and not only focus on poverty. Although poverty is a primary cause to many global issues, child slavery and child trafficking is another issue that is significant and requires much more awareness in order to help solve the problem. Also, it shed light on the fact that child slavery and child trafficking is not only overseas in the Asian and Pacific countries, it is even in our own country. Our world, although huge in size, it is becoming smaller and smaller through globalization. World issues are becoming more known but there is still a lot of work to be done. Our future generations will have to live with our mistakes, and if we don't fix these global issues soon, they will continue to plague our world for generations to come.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
European Elections, successful or not?
In the past year, Europe has been plagued with severe economic crises since European nations' debt has began to spiral out of control. Most notably, Greece has been at the top of the headlines for the European nation in most trouble and near default with 165.3% Public Debt to their GDP. Many European countries, including Greece, have attempted to implement various austerity measures to combat their debt. However, they have not been well received from the citizens of the countries. Austerity measures are crucial because they are vital to decreasing public debt. Some examples include increasing taxes, retirement age, cut of social programs, and decreased government spending.
France and Germany have been the strong countries in Europe who have guided other nations away from default and towards economic recovery, however, they too experience debt problems of their own.
Recently, both Greece and France had government elections. First I will discuss Greece and its election.
Greece has been victim of violent protests in its streets due to the attempted implementation of austerity measures. The current government at the time tried to take action to combat their debt by increasing retirement age of their citizens, and creating and increasing taxes (a majority of the Greek population does not pay taxes). In the election, the two parties were opposites. One was pro austerity measures (the current government) and the opposition was against austerity measures. On May 6th, 2012, the citizens went to the polls. The New Democracy party won with 18.85% of the vote winning 108 seats and the new opposition is the Radical Left Coalition with 16.78% of the vote winning 52 seats. The new government and their new leader, Alexis Tsipras, was not supportive of the austerity measures prior to the election. In the Greek election, one party - the Radical Left Coalition, represented hope and survival for Greece with the implementation of austerity measures. And the other party - the New Democracy party, represented the Greek voice and what they wanted and did not want. In the end, the Greek voice prevailed, however, severe implications and problems will result from the new government due to the lack of action they will take against the Greek debt. Perhaps Greece will near default after all? Only time will tell.
The second election to discuss is the most recent France election. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel have been the backbone of Europe during the European economic and debt crisis. Unfortunately, Sarkozy's Presidency has come to an end. Sarkozy lost the election to opponent, Francois Hollande. The vote was extremely close: 51.63% of the vote went to Hollande and 48.37% of the vote went to Sarkozy. Similar to Greece, the party not supporting austerity measures prevailed. Although France is not in a state of economic turmoil like Greece or Spain, it still has its own debt problems. And without the implementation of austerity measures in France, they will soon be in trouble as well. The world markets have reacted very negatively over the past few days after the announcement of Sarkozy's loss.
Both of the elections in France and Greece, in my opinion, would be considered unsuccessful. The rejection of austerity measures is a significant turning point and will truly put Europe in state of economic turmoil and risk economic collapse. The rightful powers to save Europe from economic collapse were not elected into office and this will be seen and felt throughout Europe and the world in the next few months and years ahead.
France and Germany have been the strong countries in Europe who have guided other nations away from default and towards economic recovery, however, they too experience debt problems of their own.
Recently, both Greece and France had government elections. First I will discuss Greece and its election.
Greece has been victim of violent protests in its streets due to the attempted implementation of austerity measures. The current government at the time tried to take action to combat their debt by increasing retirement age of their citizens, and creating and increasing taxes (a majority of the Greek population does not pay taxes). In the election, the two parties were opposites. One was pro austerity measures (the current government) and the opposition was against austerity measures. On May 6th, 2012, the citizens went to the polls. The New Democracy party won with 18.85% of the vote winning 108 seats and the new opposition is the Radical Left Coalition with 16.78% of the vote winning 52 seats. The new government and their new leader, Alexis Tsipras, was not supportive of the austerity measures prior to the election. In the Greek election, one party - the Radical Left Coalition, represented hope and survival for Greece with the implementation of austerity measures. And the other party - the New Democracy party, represented the Greek voice and what they wanted and did not want. In the end, the Greek voice prevailed, however, severe implications and problems will result from the new government due to the lack of action they will take against the Greek debt. Perhaps Greece will near default after all? Only time will tell.
The second election to discuss is the most recent France election. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel have been the backbone of Europe during the European economic and debt crisis. Unfortunately, Sarkozy's Presidency has come to an end. Sarkozy lost the election to opponent, Francois Hollande. The vote was extremely close: 51.63% of the vote went to Hollande and 48.37% of the vote went to Sarkozy. Similar to Greece, the party not supporting austerity measures prevailed. Although France is not in a state of economic turmoil like Greece or Spain, it still has its own debt problems. And without the implementation of austerity measures in France, they will soon be in trouble as well. The world markets have reacted very negatively over the past few days after the announcement of Sarkozy's loss.
Both of the elections in France and Greece, in my opinion, would be considered unsuccessful. The rejection of austerity measures is a significant turning point and will truly put Europe in state of economic turmoil and risk economic collapse. The rightful powers to save Europe from economic collapse were not elected into office and this will be seen and felt throughout Europe and the world in the next few months and years ahead.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Biodiversity
Human actions have changed our Earth's biodiversity over the last 150 years. Actions such as industrialization and deforestation have resulted in desertification, melting ice caps, the extinction of many animal and plant species, and the infamous global warming. In our own backyards, we have witnessed changes in biodiversity. Animals are no longer common in our residential areas with the exception of squirrels and a few birds. In addition, with the increase of global warming effects, our environment has suffered, especially the arctic and the melting ice caps due to the high greenhouse gas emissions. The melting ice caps have began destroying the habitat for several species, specifically the Polar Bear. The destruction of land and climate for many animals and species has caused a significant decline in our biodiversity on Earth.
With the implementation of government programs as well as raising awareness, people can become more aware of environment issues and help combat our declining biodiversity. If people become more aware about the issues, they may be more inclined to make a difference and help our environment. Preserving our native species, fresh water supply, and our natural environment will benefit not only our human life cycle, it will improve our Earth and its biodiversity. To date, various initiatives have already been implemented and created in order to help combat global warming. Through the creation of electric and hybrid cars, plastic bag limits, solar panels, and wind turbines, small steps are being taken to improve our environment and preserve our unique biodiversity. If we continue to raise awareness about the environment over the next 150 years as well as implement and create new programs and products such as solar panels and wind turbines, we will continue to improve the environment, combat global warming and preserve our biodiversity.
With the implementation of government programs as well as raising awareness, people can become more aware of environment issues and help combat our declining biodiversity. If people become more aware about the issues, they may be more inclined to make a difference and help our environment. Preserving our native species, fresh water supply, and our natural environment will benefit not only our human life cycle, it will improve our Earth and its biodiversity. To date, various initiatives have already been implemented and created in order to help combat global warming. Through the creation of electric and hybrid cars, plastic bag limits, solar panels, and wind turbines, small steps are being taken to improve our environment and preserve our unique biodiversity. If we continue to raise awareness about the environment over the next 150 years as well as implement and create new programs and products such as solar panels and wind turbines, we will continue to improve the environment, combat global warming and preserve our biodiversity.
Violence in Society
Over the decades, people have tried to determine the leading causes of violence in society. In fact, there are many leading causes such as the media, the governments, and the home environment. Specifically, media including television, movies, and video games are the main leading causes of violence in society. Many violent video games exist: Call of Duty, Halo, and Modern Warfare, just to name a few. These video games include guns, violence, and death, and the goal of the game is to kill as many people as possible and have a low kill to death ratio (high kills and low deaths). The violent nature of these games become a part of every day life for many people, which increases the violence rates. Over the years we have seen a significant increase in violence in society; not only in our country but many countries around the world and they are caused by the increased number of violent television shows, movies, and video games.
Many of the television shows, movies, and video games are not regulated. Many audiences (mainly referring to young kids) have access to these shows and games despite the age restrictions and graphic components included in them. If companies and corporations implement more strict guidelines and regulations to which audience can have access to the shows, movies, and games will decrease the number of children exposed to violence at a young age. Once this is achieved, the younger generation will grow up to be less violence and it will carry on into future generations to come.
Many of the television shows, movies, and video games are not regulated. Many audiences (mainly referring to young kids) have access to these shows and games despite the age restrictions and graphic components included in them. If companies and corporations implement more strict guidelines and regulations to which audience can have access to the shows, movies, and games will decrease the number of children exposed to violence at a young age. Once this is achieved, the younger generation will grow up to be less violence and it will carry on into future generations to come.
Racism
What is racism? Racism can be defined as prejudice or discrimination directed against someone of a different race based on such a belief. Racism can be seen throughout our world today with stereotypes and discrimination against various ethnic groups and religions. For example, after the 9/11 Terrorist attacks, stereotypes began to be associated with Muslims and Islamics due to the fact that the terrorist attacks were organized and committed by Islamic Extremists, specifically al-Qaeda.
Racism is a world issue because it impacts our entire world and how we as a society few certain ethnic groups and religions. Even though in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms section 2b states: "Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression," racism is not within reasonable limits and is frowned upon in society. Eliminating stereotypes, prejudice or discrimination directed at various races, racism can be stopped in our world.
Racism is a world issue because it impacts our entire world and how we as a society few certain ethnic groups and religions. Even though in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms section 2b states: "Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression," racism is not within reasonable limits and is frowned upon in society. Eliminating stereotypes, prejudice or discrimination directed at various races, racism can be stopped in our world.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Gender Inequality: Will it ever be 50/50?
Gender inequality has been prevalent in our world for decades, even centuries. Sadly, we still witness and experience gender inequality in our society today. From education to employment, girls and women experience severe gender inequality. Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals to promote gender equality and empower women. Their target is to "eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education, preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015." Unfortunately, we are far from our goal. Although we have dramatically improved the statistics, there is still a long way to go in order to fully achieve Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals.
The biggest impact of gender inequality in underdeveloped countries is seen through education and employment. Statistics show that Sub-Saharan Africa have the lowest education enrolment rate for girls as well as employment rate. And sadly, as you move from Primary Education to Secondary Education and Tertiary Education, the education enrollment rates reduce significantly. There are many reasons and factors as to why the numbers go down such as: the expense of high school and university - families do not have the money to pay for secondary education. Also, young girls can be married off at a young age therefore not allowing them to attend school. The factors that lower education enrollment rates are saddening and it will truly affect the girl's life ahead. With an education, they are given the opportunity to employ in the work force, earn an income and feed their family, and help break the cycle of poverty. In addition to education, employment numbers are extremely low as well, and this is a result due to the low education rates. In 2009 in Sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 33% of the work force which is a huge improvement compared to 1990's statistic of women only being 24% of the world force. Although huge improvements have been made, we are still far off of our target of having a 50/50 split between men and women in the work force.
Solutions have been proposed and put into action, and yes they have benefited the world. However, more solutions have to be put in place in order to alleviate and/or eradicate gender inequality. Education is the first and primary solution to improve gender inequality. If education is provided to every girl, they will given the chance to employ in the work force and fend for their family. Once education is given to girls, a positive cycle will start to occur and improve education enrollment rates and employment rates. It is sad but true that there will always be factors that influence education enrollment rates such as money, family chores, and marriage. However, actions can be taken in order to improve the statistics.
Will gender equality ever be achieved? I hope so, but it will take many hurdles of challenges and struggles in order for it to be achieved.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
AIDS and Disease
HIV/AIDS truly affects the world's poorest people. In 2010, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV/AIDS, and 22.9 million people infected with HIV/AIDS live in Sub-Saharan Africa; that is 67% of the total number of people affected with AIDS. There are many reasons and conclusions why Sub-Saharan Africans have the highest HIV/AIDS rate in the world. There are many factors that contribute to this. First of all, the lack of education about health and safety is the primary factor to the spread of HIV. Due to the lack of education in many of the countries, knowledge about contraceptives and protection to stop the spread of the disease is not passed on. Also, the knowledge of how the disease is contracted is unknown to a majority of the population, therefore, if education is provided to the affected areas, the spread of HIV/AIDS can be stopped.
In addition, another reason why HIV/AIDS affect the world's poorest people, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, is the lack of medical care and attention that people have. Due to the fact that the disease medication is very expensive and medical care is sparse, people cannot afford the medication as well as find proper medical centres.
Combining a lack of education and medical care, HIV/AIDS hits the world's poorest people. However, with improved education and health care, the spread of the disease can be stopped.
The United Nations is a non-profit international organization. Since it's creation in 1945, the United Nations has been an aid to combat many world issues. Specifically, since the release of the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations has been commended for their humanitarian work. Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals targets and aims to "Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS." Goal 6 has raised awareness about the issues of HIV/AIDS and has created initiatives to combat the disease including providing various contraceptives and education to highly affected areas. Although Goal 6 is still far from being achieved, every year we are one step closer to reaching our goal and eventually eradicating HIV/AIDS around the world and in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition, another reason why HIV/AIDS affect the world's poorest people, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, is the lack of medical care and attention that people have. Due to the fact that the disease medication is very expensive and medical care is sparse, people cannot afford the medication as well as find proper medical centres.
Combining a lack of education and medical care, HIV/AIDS hits the world's poorest people. However, with improved education and health care, the spread of the disease can be stopped.
The United Nations is a non-profit international organization. Since it's creation in 1945, the United Nations has been an aid to combat many world issues. Specifically, since the release of the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations has been commended for their humanitarian work. Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals targets and aims to "Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS." Goal 6 has raised awareness about the issues of HIV/AIDS and has created initiatives to combat the disease including providing various contraceptives and education to highly affected areas. Although Goal 6 is still far from being achieved, every year we are one step closer to reaching our goal and eventually eradicating HIV/AIDS around the world and in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Do we really C.A.R.E?
To become a true ethical global citizen, awareness must be raised. Taking action is becoming more prevalent in today's society to combat global issues. In 2011, our world was faced with a numerous amount of conflicts and issues: the Arab-Spring, the European and Global Debt Crisis, the death of Kim Jong-Il, and many more. In addition to the events that occurred just in 2011, we are also constantly at war with reoccurring and ongoing problems: poverty, lack of education, lack of clean water, human rights violations, and world hunger, just to name a few.
In our Take Action textbook, we are introduced to a new concept of global citizenship, the C.A.R.E model standing for compassion, action, responsibility, and equality. These four qualities represent core values to being a true global citizen. This model can aid a citizen to become a true global citizen by implementing a foundation for ethical decision-making.
Compassion: "Show caring by being attentive to people's various needs, and by treating everyone with kindness, concern, and generosity, regardless of outcomes." (Take Action - pg. 66) Through this element, people can take interest and become compassionate about an issue.
Action: "Take initiative to act." (Take Action - pg. 66) This proves very helpful because people in dire need can be helped and change can be created through those who are compassionate and are willing to take action and create change!
Responsibility: "Be trustworthy and reliable; be accountable for all your actions and only make commitments that you can and will honour." (Take Action - pg. 66) Having integrity and taking responsibility for your actions can be extremely rewarding and very beneficial. Recognizing the need for responsibility is not only a step toward becoming a global citizen, it is a step in recognizing one's true self.
Equality: "Strive for fairness...Treat all people with honour, courtesy, dignity, civility, and esteem." (Take Action - pg. 66) Equality is still a very big problem in today's society, not just North America, but around the world. Inequality is very prevalent, even in our own schools. Acknowledging inequality and striving for equality is what becoming a global citizen is all about; treating everyone as equals both in your community, your nation, and our world!
Putting all four of these values together create a true ethical global citizen. Each of these values acknowledge a different aspect of being a global citizen. These will be the people who can change the world!
In my opinion, I feel that a mix between responsibility and equality are the most important values of the C.A.R.E Model. Inequality is an ongoing issue still today, and recognizing and improving this issues will make our world a better place. In addition, responsibility also plays a key and prominent role due to the fact that everyone needs to be responsible and accountable for their actions. Both of these values take into consideration the other values as well.
With this C.A.R.E Model, people will truly care and we will change the world!
In our Take Action textbook, we are introduced to a new concept of global citizenship, the C.A.R.E model standing for compassion, action, responsibility, and equality. These four qualities represent core values to being a true global citizen. This model can aid a citizen to become a true global citizen by implementing a foundation for ethical decision-making.
Compassion: "Show caring by being attentive to people's various needs, and by treating everyone with kindness, concern, and generosity, regardless of outcomes." (Take Action - pg. 66) Through this element, people can take interest and become compassionate about an issue.
Action: "Take initiative to act." (Take Action - pg. 66) This proves very helpful because people in dire need can be helped and change can be created through those who are compassionate and are willing to take action and create change!
Responsibility: "Be trustworthy and reliable; be accountable for all your actions and only make commitments that you can and will honour." (Take Action - pg. 66) Having integrity and taking responsibility for your actions can be extremely rewarding and very beneficial. Recognizing the need for responsibility is not only a step toward becoming a global citizen, it is a step in recognizing one's true self.
Equality: "Strive for fairness...Treat all people with honour, courtesy, dignity, civility, and esteem." (Take Action - pg. 66) Equality is still a very big problem in today's society, not just North America, but around the world. Inequality is very prevalent, even in our own schools. Acknowledging inequality and striving for equality is what becoming a global citizen is all about; treating everyone as equals both in your community, your nation, and our world!
Putting all four of these values together create a true ethical global citizen. Each of these values acknowledge a different aspect of being a global citizen. These will be the people who can change the world!
In my opinion, I feel that a mix between responsibility and equality are the most important values of the C.A.R.E Model. Inequality is an ongoing issue still today, and recognizing and improving this issues will make our world a better place. In addition, responsibility also plays a key and prominent role due to the fact that everyone needs to be responsible and accountable for their actions. Both of these values take into consideration the other values as well.
With this C.A.R.E Model, people will truly care and we will change the world!
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