What a summer it’s been so far! 

 

First things first: my hair is growing back.  After having it shaved off in early June to help raise awareness about my school’s fundraising efforts for Haiti, the fauxhawk is making a resurgence!

 

Second, I took part in a fantastic three week educational program called the Pearson Seminar on Youth Leadership, named after one of Canada’s greatest prime ministers and human rights crusaders, Lester B. Pearson.

 

It was held at Pearson College in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, and I had the opportunity to meet over 100 youth from all over the world.  The seminar focuses on a variety of international issues, including the environment, development, peace and conflict, social justice and cross-cultural and diversity training.  The educators and students I met there were incredible, and I miss them already.  It was so much fun!

 

Third, Toronto Life Magazine published a seven page story on my work that will run in the September 2010 issue.  It’s in stores already.  The article focuses on my fundraising and activism work since I was a young boy.  It’s always interesting to have someone else write a story about you. 

 

The story also discusses the role that my friends and family have had throughout my travels and successes.  Once again, I couldn’t have done it without them. 

 

I hope each of you are having a great summer, too!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Everyone I know in life has a nation to call their home.  Almost all of my friends and family were born here in Canada and enjoy the privilege – and responsibility – of living in a free and democratic society.

 

There are those, however, who don’t have a country to call their own.  The United Nations states that over ten million people in the world today – owing to their fear of being persecuted or even killed on account of their economic status, race, political opinion, or religion – have been forced to move outside their nation of birth and are unable to go back.  They are called refugees.

 

The only solutions to refugee populations are repatriation back to the country of origin (which carry unparalleled risk), local integration into the new country of asylum (which is always challenging), or permanent resettlement to a third country (which can take many years to legally accomplish).  The largest source countries of refugees are Iraq, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Sudan.  Yet the Palestinian Territories are still by far the largest source of refugees – and their descendants – in the world today.

 

World Refugee Day was founded by the United Nations in 2000 and is celebrated every year.  The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) commemorates the event in Washington, DC to raise awareness of the millions of refugees worldwide.  Each year, UNHCR selects a theme and coordinates events throughout the world. 

 

In 2010, the organization has created a video link on its website (www.refugeedaylive.org) that allows face to face communication with refugees in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Damascus, Syria.  Many people mistake refugees as those living in sprawling tented camps in rural areas.  The reality is that more than half of the 10.5 million refugees in the world today live in towns and cities across the globe.  The video link will give people the ability to hear from refuges and learn about their histories and struggles.

 

Refugees face incredible challenges, wherever they may be.  Studies show they live with higher rates of mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, flashbacks from traumatic events in their past, as well as physical ailments from wounds or malnutrition. 

 

In accordance with international treaties that mandate certain countries receive a “quota” of refugees, Canada accepts thousands every year, even though far more (25,000) apply for refugee status.  Only about 40% of refugee claims filed in Canada are accepted.  Although a multicultural country, many refugees struggle with their new lives in Canadian society, and while the federal government provides assistance, much more must be done.

 

This isn’t to say that many don’t succeed here in their new land.  In fact, contrary to myth, refugees who come to Canada contribute very positively to our economy.  Many have post-secondary degrees, and those who come to Canada offset our declining birth rate and aging population.

 

On World Refugee Day, we acknowledge the long and difficult quest of more than ten million people around the world to one day live in a country they can truly call home.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Can you feel that sense of warmth in the air?  I can, too.  That’s the feeling of summer.  The favourite part of the year for kids everywhere is about to begin.

 

After a very busy schedule this year, I’m taking a bit of a break.  It’s important to give yourself a chance to “recharge your batteries,” so to speak.  As I wrote in the second part of my book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever, you need to give yourself a tune-up whenever you feel run down, to rejuvenate yourself physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.

 

As I wrote: “You are made up of more than just your physical body.  Your mind also needs rest and rejuvenation, and so does your soul.  You need to find the time to rest, relax and, most importantly, to laugh.  Find that place that gives you energy, and take the time to go there an visit ‘with yourself.’  Discover ways to be a human being, not just a human doing.”

 

I find the best way to do this is to treat yourself to the outdoors.  Go for more walks and bike rides.  Go camping.  Pick up a new sport.  Or my personal favourite, take a swim.  Especially in this hot summer weather, I’ve found that a pool is the best remedy.

 

Summer is also a time of trying out new things.  If you have some time on your hands throughout July and August, why not donate more of it to a charitable organization?  There are plenty of organizations that need your help.  Go online and look up an issue you care deeply about.  Is it the environment, human rights, poverty, animal rights?  Soon enough you’ll learn about a group in your area that shares your interests.  Everyone is too busy in September to start anything new.  So now is the time.

 

Canada Day was this week.  July 1st is a day that allows us to recognize how lucky we are to live in a free country.  It also renews our commitment to making Canada – and the world – a better place.  In a society like our own, we are so empowered with the ability to make change in our communities and throughout society.  It would have been a waste to let another Canada Day go by without giving something back to the country that has given so many of us so much.

 

At the beginning of every school year, I plan out the next nine months and the goals I want to accomplish.  Why not do the same for summer?  We only have two months, and we should use them to the best of our ability.  Who says we can’t beat the summertime blues?  There’s so much to do, and time is far too previous to waste during those warm days and nights of summer.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make a Difference”

 

 

Twenty-one years ago this month, tragedy took place in Beijing, China.  Thousands of citizens, calling for freedom, human rights and democratic reform, were murdered by the soldiers and tanks of the government’s armed forces.

 

What started out as a peaceful demonstration two months earlier ended in bloodshed, with the dreams of hopes of an entire generation of young people crushed by the powerful hands of tyranny.  This month, we remember the events of 1989 in China and the brave souls who dared to demand freedom.

 

They assembled in the centre of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, a plaza first built in 1651.  Meaning “Gate of Heavenly Peace” in Chinese, it has been the site of momentous periods throughout the country’s history.

 

1989 was no different.

 

It all began quite humbly in April 1989 with just a few thousand people.  By late May, hundreds of thousands of students, farmers, workers, intellectuals and journalists, inspired by the overthrow of Communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, gathered in Tiananmen to call for democracy.

 

On May 30th, one of the most memorable icons of the protests, the Goddess of Democracy, a 10-metre statue created by local art students, was unveiled in the square to a rousing ovation.  Yet on June 4, 1989, the so-called “People’s Liberation Army” invaded the square and opened fire.  It is difficult to know exactly how many deaths took place.  Some say a few hundred, other sources say as much as 7,000.  The violence continued for days, with many of the organizers of the protests being arrested, killed or forced into hiding.

 

A day later on June 5th, another unforgettable event took place.  A young man walking on Chang Avenue in downtown Beijing, just a few blocks away from Tiananmen, distraught and fed up with what was taking place, decided to take matters into his own hands.  He unexpectedly walked into the middle of the road and blocked the path of a column of government tanks that were on their way to the Square.  The so-called “Tank Man” is still unknown to this day.  Experts say he either died in the ensuing violence or survived and is still in hiding.  Others say he escaped to Taiwan.

 

Maybe we’ll never know what happened to that brave person, but we know that the ideals he and millions of others in China hold, such as freedom, human rights and democracy, are alive and well.

 

The problem today is that the Chinese government has successfully whitewashed the events of May/June 1989.  It has become a forbidden subject to talk about, and the government has prevented it from even being mentioned in history books or the media.

 

It’s almost impossible to read about the events on the internet in China since so many websites are banned there.

 

We therefore have a duty to remember those protests and the millions of people who risked their lives to make change not only in China, but in countries all over the world.  Democracy isn’t handed down from above, it is created from below.  And those of us who live in free countries like Canada have the opportunity to help those around the world still struggling for economic security, human rights and liberty.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Options are running out for our friends south of the border trying to stop the largest oil spill in U.S. history.  For the past five weeks in the Gulf of Mexico, up to 100,000 barrels, or 16 million litres of oil per day, are gushing into the sea, creating untold environmental, biological and economic devastation.

 

It all started on April 20, when an oil wellhead under the Deepwater Horizon exploded and led to a massive fire, causing eleven deaths and seventeen injuries.  The oil spill area has become just as shocking.  Currently, it has fouled 125 miles of Louisiana’s coast, washed up on the Mississippi and Alabama coasts, and is within a few hours of the pristine Pensacola, Florida beaches.

 

This isn’t exactly the best way to celebrate World Environment Day (WED), taking place this week.  WED was started by the United Nations in 1973 and is hosted every year by a different city, aiming to stimulate discussion and awareness on environmental issues all over the world.  This year’s theme is “Many species.  One planet.  One future.”   

 

Ironically, there are many species of wildlife under attack in the Gulf of Mexico.  400 of them that live in the islands and marshlands of the region, including the already endangered Ridley turtle, are at risk.  Experts say that upwards of 34,000 birds are threatened, and that it could take the ecosystem decades to recover from such an infusion of toxic chemicals from the oil and gas.  In addition, the spill has caused massive oxygen depletion within the ecosystem.

 

Blame is being put on the companies responsible, British Petroleum (BP) and Transocean, as well as years of environmental deregulation and lax standards by the federal government.  But the most important issues right now are how to clean it up and ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again.  The first issue is difficult to handle, and the second may be even harder.

 

To date, BP engineers have attempted almost a dozen techniques to control or stop the oil from gushing from the well leaks, all of which have been unsuccessful.  Some leading experts now say it might actually be impossible to stop it – until, of course, the entire well is depleted.  The cleanup efforts throughout the Gulf have also run into serious problems.

 

The only fact is that no one really knows what the full damage of this environmental disaster will be.  What we do know – and have known for years – is that if we invest in environmentally-friendly forms of energy, such as geothermal, solar and wind, and start using energy more wisely, we can steadily reduce our dependence on oil, especially that which comes from highly sensitive ecosystems.

 

The United Nations Environment Programme, which administers World Environment Day, already estimates that the cleanup of existing pollution throughout the globe, above and beyond that in the Gulf of Mexico, will cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

 

Believe it or not, this environmental disaster may actually lead to something good: greater awareness about the dangers of offshore oil drilling and a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability.  

 

Only time will tell.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

I want to thank each and every one of you who kicked off your shoes and made 2010 Barefoot Challenge a HUGE success.  Thousands of people worldwide got involved and helped raise awareness about the very important issue of child poverty.  It’s people like you who make the world a better place!

 

I received plenty of messages from participants throughout the globe.  Glen, a teacher from Brunei, says: “Our class did the Barefoot Challenge today and then spent our English lesson coming up with lists of things children needed to be healthy and happy.  Thank you for inviting us, and we hope to make it school-campus wide next year!”

 

The City of Peterborough and the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield both proclaimed June 1, 2010 Barefoot Challenge Day and the Challenge got tremendous media attention in such countries as England, New Zealand, India, Australia, Korea, United States, Mexico, and Canada.

 

Four months ago, I also promised to have my head shaved on behalf of the school that raised the most funds for the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.  My school, Lakefield College School, took that goal to heart and accomplished it, and yesterday my schoolmates witnessed my head shaving.  So besides going without shoes, I went without hair as well!

 

I was also able to participate in an interview with the BBC about the Barefoot Challenge and International Children’s Day.  You can listen to it here. 

 

Free trip to the Arctic

 

Last year, I was fortunate to have an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.  I received a Brita FilterForGood Eco-Challenge Student Grant and spent two and a half weeks in the Canadian Arctic, learning about climate change, Inuit culture and so much more.  My online journal captures some of the most memorable expedition moments.

 

This August, Brita has brought back its FilterForGood Eco-Challenge Student Grant Program! Brita is looking to send three of Canada’s most promising young environmentalists on an amazing educational expedition to the Canadian Arctic with the award-winning organization Students On Ice (SOI).  

 

The deadline for submissions is June 6th.  If you are a high school or university student or know of someone who would be interested, please get the submission in before this date.  To learn more or to apply for an Eco-Challenge grant, please visit FilterForGood.ca.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

What an incredible start to the 2010 Barefoot Challenge!  As you already know, June 1st is International Children’s Day, and to celebrate the occasion, I’m asking thousands of people around the world to go barefoot that day – whether to work or school – to raise awareness about child poverty in the developing world.

 

The town of Peterborough and the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield (where my school is located near) have both proclaimed June 1, 2010 Barefoot Challenge Day.  We are also waiting to hear back from the City of Toronto.

 

Students throughout the country are getting involved, and over 400 people have signed up to the Facebook Event Page, and that’s only after one day!  I’m also already scheduled for interviews with media in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia. 

 

A big event takes place next week at my school, Lakefield College School.  In front of the entire student body, I will have my head shaved to raise awareness about the Challenge and the struggles faced by children around the globe today.  That’s right, the hair is coming off – fauxhawk and all.  I hope they’ll be gentle with me!

 

Anyway, I want to thank those who have signed up and will take part on June 1st.  I can’t wait to kick off those shoes.  Speak to you soon!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

  

This coming June 1st, I’m participating in a very important initiative I started last year called the Barefoot Challenge.  International Children’s Day takes place on the first of June each year, and to celebrate the occasion, I will live life without shoes.  You heard me right, I will go to school, play sports, hang out with friends – and do everything else I usually do – completely barefoot. 

 

Last year, hundreds of people from dozens of countries – especially youth – kicked off their shoes and participated.  I am asking Canadians to do the same on June 1st to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world. 

 

I had the opportunity to participate in over 60 media interviews with newspapers and radio and TV stations Canada, the United States, Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, India, Switzerland, South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore, and I plan to do the same this time around.  This Barefoot Challenge is going to be bigger than ever before!

 

A few years ago, I visited Tanzania and Malawi in Africa and met with hundreds of children who walk miles every day barefoot to fetch water, work on their farm lands, or go to school.  I watched as they played soccer on the hard, rocky sands of central Africa, and it made me think of what life would be like to live without something we take for granted.

 

But the Barefoot Challenge is about much more than just shoes.  It’s about building a world where all children can go to school, have a home to live in, drink clean water and see a doctor when they’re sick, one where children can grow up and be whoever they want to be in life.

 

I remember the strange looks I received from people when I walked barefoot down the streets of Toronto last year.  And when they asked me why I didn’t have shoes, I reminded them that too many children around the world didn’t either!

 

So I am urging you to participate in this year’s Barefoot Challenge.  Ask your teacher if your classroom can go barefoot for an afternoon and discuss the important issue of child poverty.  Even better, speak with your principal and ask if the entire school can get involved.   I am happy to announce that my school, Lakefield College High School, is also taking part in the Challenge.

 

You can get family members, friends and neighbours to be a sponsor.  Whether they promise five, ten, fifty or a hundred dollars, every effort counts.  And if you get your class or school to participate, just image the difference we could make!

 

Once money is collected from your sponsors, you can donate to organizations like UNICEF by going to their WEBSITE (which is what I do), or the World Partnership Walk (organized by the Aga Khan Foundation).  You could also donate to the children’s organizations of your choice as well. 

 

In addition, participants could also help out locally in their community.  This is your chance to think creatively and come up with your own fundraising ideas, too!  By going barefoot, we have a huge opportunity to raise awareness about children’s rights.  Like each of you, I believe that children throughout the world deserve equality and justice.

 

There’s a video on my YouTube page about the Challenge located HERE.  In addition, you can go to the official Barefoot Challenge Facebook page by clicking HERE.  And by all means, email me at media@makingchangenow.com and tell me about your experiences.  I would love to hear from you.  So go barefoot this June 1st, and good luck!

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan 

“Together We Can Make A Difference” 

 

When one is asked about the qualities of our country, many things come to mind.  Freedom, democracy, universal health care, and a commitment to global peace are all institutions associated with Canada.  Another important value, multiculturalism, is also seen as a major benefit to our society.

 

We really don’t know how good we have it.  I can travel into a city like Toronto with my friends and watch a movie made in India, eat Asian food, dance to African music, read books written by South American authors and buy clothing made in Europe.  Canada really is a nation of nations.  Taking a journey through our country is like seeing the world.

 

This week, Citizenship Day is being celebrated in Canada.  First observed in 1950, it occurs every year in late May on the Friday before Victoria Day.  This week we remember Canada’s role in the world, its democracy, history and multiculturalism, and reflect on the rights and privileges we have as Canadians.  I also believe it’s a way to welcome and acknowledge those who live in Canada but haven’t become citizens yet.  This is their day, too.

 

Hundreds of thousands of people come to this country every year for a better life.  This isn’t to say it’s perfect.  There are still many challenges we face as Canadians: environmental harm, child poverty, a troubling economy, and national unity, to name a few.

 

We also can’t forget that those who come to Canada still struggle through serious challenges.  Many immigrants and New Canadians face discrimination in hiring and on the job.  Others may not speak English as a first language and have to confront communication barriers.  Many who have outstanding education credentials and work experience in their former countries still cannot get recognized by employers in Canada.

 

Why is it that doctors and medical scientists who come from other countries around the world can’t practice medicine in this country, for example, and have to wait years until their licences are “updated” by our government?

 

On Citizenship Day, we recognize the enormous benefits that immigrants and New Canadians bring to our country.  In fact, it’s almost impossible to imagine what Canada would be today if it wasn’t for immigration.  And whereas some say that multiculturalism is about recognizing our differences, it’s really about working and living together in harmony, regardless of who you are or where you are from.  That is the real meaning of a free and socially just society and the essence of being a Canadian citizen.

 

Citizenship Day may not be as popular or celebrated as Victoria Day or other holidays throughout the year.  And it doesn’t even come close to many of the national holidays in the United States, which burst with national pride and patriotism.  But maybe that’s what being Canadian is about: quietly acknowledging how fortunate we are, humbly celebrating our unique cultures, admitting our errors, and looking forward to a better future for everyone.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

There is a month long celebration taking place in Canada every May that some of you may be aware of.  South Asian Heritage Month acknowledges the history and culture of those in Canada with family roots from the countries of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Afghanistan, among others.  It also includes those South Asians who eventually came to Canada through the Caribbean, South America and central and southern Africa.

 

Our history here goes back much farther than many Canadians might realize.  The first South Asians began coming to our country as early as the late 19th century, although the first major influx of immigrants from South Asia began in the early 20th.  Yet due to strict, race-based immigration laws, the numbers were still very low.  In fact, between 1909 and 1943, only 878 were legally permitted to enter Canadian borders.

 

The discrimination faced by Asian Canadians was overwhelming.  Take the now infamous “Komagata Maru” episode of 1914, where a boat carrying 376 prospective immigrants of East Indian decent – mostly Sikh veterans of the British Army, was halted in Vancouver.  Although as British subjects they had the right to enter Canada, they were refused and forced to wait for two months in appalling conditions while the federal government did virtually nothing.  Instead, only twenty passengers were allowed to stay, with the rest being forced back to India in the Fall of 1914.

 

Thankfully, people don’t have to tolerate these kind of racist immigration policies any more, largely due to generations of South Asians and millions of other visible minorities who for decades, worked together to confront discrimination in Canada.  It wasn’t easy, and it certainly didn’t come about overnight, but we have made incredible strides in the struggle for racial equality and social justice.

 

Our history throughout the world is a proud one.  Soldiers of South Asian descent fought bravely for the Allies in World War I and especially World War II, when they joined both British and Canadian armies in the Pacific against the Japanese Empire.  In addition, South Asian immigrants living in South Africa throughout the 20th century, some of whose descendants live in Canada today, played a crucial role in overthrowing Apartheid, working alongside the African National Congress and other organizations to eventually create a free, democratic society.

 

As for the celebration of our heritage in Canada, it was not until the 1980s that public events began to take place.  In 2001, the Legislature of Ontario passed an act which officially recognized May as South Asian Heritage Month.  This year, there are events taking place in every major city throughout the country, and there is even a Facebook group commemorating the celebration that users can join.

 

Today, South Asian Canadians make up approximately 7 percent of Ontario’s population, and our history, music, film, fashion and literature – among many other of our cultural achievements – are deeply engrained in the Canadian mosaic.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

The term “May Day” is usually something overheard in movies where pilots are desperately calling for help on their radios as their plane spirals towards the ground.  Yet for hundreds of millions of people around the world, the real meaning of the term is something completely different.  The first of May, otherwise known as International Workers Day, celebrates the rights of workers and the gains they have struggled for and won over the past century and beyond.

 

The Day is the commemoration of the terrible Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, when police fired on workers who were striking to establish the eight hour work day, killing several demonstrators.  The eight hour work day is commonplace in Canada in 2010, but over 100 years ago, it was pretty radical stuff. 

 

Each year, holidays are held in most countries throughout the world.  Although in Canada and the United States, we celebrate a similar holiday on Labour Day on the first Monday of September.  Nonetheless, the vast majority of countries in the world, including Pakistan and India, hold the event on May 1st.  Millions of people join parades in the streets and call for strengthening workers’ rights, social justice and equality for all.

 

And considering that there are still approximately 158 million children aged 5 to 14 working for a living worldwide, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), workers’ rights are inevitably children’s rights.   In countries like ours, however, there are age restrictions to enter the labour force, which are usually 15 or 16 years of age, depending on what province you live in.  But this couldn’t be said of dozens of other countries, where children work in terrible conditions.

 

It’s important to note that things weren’t always so good in Canada.  Workers had limited rights, and things like health and safety laws and workers’ compensation were only a dream.  If a worker was injured on a job, he or she would be fired and left with nothing.  Child labour used to exist here as well.  But for decades, people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds across our land decided to work together for positive social change, and we abolished child exploitation and other labour abuses.

 

Rights for workers are already relatively weak in much of the developing world, but being a child worker is even more challenging.  Many children don’t want to work but feel they have to in order to survive, yet everyone knows they would be much better off, in both the short term and long term, going to school.  Thus, the most direct way to abolish child exploitation is to end child poverty and help provide education for youth everywhere. 

 

This can be done.  We now live in a world where there is easily enough wealth to provide every child on earth with education, food, clothing and shelter.  But this will depend on people all over the globe, no matter where they live, to work together in building a world where exploitation no longer exists.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make a Difference”

 

 

 

Next week marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, first founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970.  Back then, 20 million people participated in small events throughout the country.  Today, it is a Day celebrated by an estimated one billion people in almost every nation on the planet. 

 

This year, the Earth Day Network will observe the 40th anniversary by creating multiple global initiatives, such as increasing green investment and building a more environmentally-friendly economy, having Olympic athletes and other celebrities speak out in favour of environmental protection, and bringing on board hundreds of arts institutions and artists to help raise awareness.

 

In Canada, more than 6 million people, and almost every grade school in the country, stage events and projects to address important environmental issues.  The Day has actually evolved into Earth Week and even Earth Month to accommodate the huge growth of programs that take place every year.  In Toronto, there are literally dozens upon dozens of events.  It’s almost impossible to open your local newspaper without reading about something that is happening in your area.  These include walks, public forums, fairs, conventions and fundraising activities. 

 

Earth Day Canada, the organization that promotes the celebration in our country, organizes a variety of projects that take place throughout the month.  These include the Community Environment Fund, which provides grants of up to $20 million to support local environmental initiatives, Eco Action Teams, which help people all over Canada reduce energy and water use, and EcoKids, which helps teachers and schools educate students about the environment. 

 

There is also the Hometown Heroes Award Program, which recognizes environmental leaders who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action, and EcoMentors, which provides the opportunity, training and resources for youth to be active in promoting positive environmental change.  There’s information on how to apply for these programs, and other activities, at www.earthday.ca. 

 

There are literally hundreds of ways to get involved.  You can go to the website and click on “Events” to see what is happening in your area.  If you are unable to participate in them, then why not do something closer to home?  You can form an environmental committee with friends and neighbours to clean up parks and other areas of your community that day.  It’s a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the spring weather.

 

Still too busy to get outside?  Then how about doing something in your own home, like reducing energy usage.  You can use less water, buy energy-saving light bulbs, and turn off the lights when you leave a room.  Simple things like these can go a long way in helping the environment.

 

Earth Day teaches people that our planet is more fragile than we think, and we need to create new ways of thinking and doing things to ensure that clean air and water won’t be a luxury some day.  As the ancient Native American proverb says, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

 

Tonight I was in Baltimore, Maryland to receive the 2010 Changing Our World/Simms Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

 

The award, named after AFP co-founder William R. Simms and sponsored by Changing Our World, recognizes service by an individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.

 

It is an incredible honour to receive this award.  William Simms lived a remarkable life in which he gave so much to the community.  He had a profound impact on fundraising, and I hope I can live up to his high standards in helping those in need and making a difference.  It was such a pleasure to speak to the leadership and members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals earlier tonight.

 

The AFP represents 30,000 members in 207 chapters throughout the world, working to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs. The association fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.

 

I couldn’t have done this without help from each of you, my friends and family, who have given me such incredible support throughout the years.  Once again, thank you!

 

Warm Regards,  

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

              

In a recent opinion poll, Canadians were asked to choose the one symbol or achievement that best represents their country.  Things like the maple leaf, hockey, cold weather or even donuts may come to mind, but they didn’t make the top spot.  The winner, you may ask?  Our public, universal health care system.

              

Canadians really do take things for granted, and health care is certainly one of them.  Sure, there are always problems.  Waiting lists for some services are still too long, but by and large, we enjoy perhaps the most advanced and cost-effective medical systems in the world.  It wasn’t always this way, however.  Former Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas founded the first universal health insurance system back in the early 1960s, and it was only a few years later that the first national system was created by the federal government. 

              

South of the border, special congratulations should be given to President Barrack Obama for finally establishing long-overdue health care reform.

              

The rest of the world isn’t so fortunate, and developing countries struggle every year to provide their citizens with health care coverage.  In fact, sixty years ago this week, the World Health Organization celebrated its first World Health Day, an annual celebration that takes place every April 7th.  The goal of the event is to create awareness about health care issues throughout the world. 

              

Each year has a different theme, and this year’s is called “1,000 Cities – 1,000 Lives.”  It focuses on opening up public spaces to health, such as parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.  It’s a way of cleaning up our cities and making them healthier places to live and work.  It’s an example of taking preventative action to ensure people don’t get sick in the first place, which is real health care in action (as opposed to “sick care,” which rehabilitates people only after they have an illness).

              

Cities all over the world are creating “car-free zones” to allow bikers, pedestrians and families to enjoy the beautiful spring weather outdoors without the traffic jams and the resulting noise and air pollution from automobiles.    

              

But focus should also be placed on the hundreds of millions of people around the world, many of them children, who cannot afford to see a doctor or go to a hospital when they’re sick.  Perhaps the saddest fact is that diseases which are entirely preventable, such as malaria and diarrhea, lead to millions of deaths every year.  These could easily be prevented by providing communities in the developing world with basic medical care and committing greater resources towards clean drinking water and proper sanitation.

                

Canadians may not have to worry about issues like these anymore, but it doesn’t mean we don’t have a responsibility towards helping others throughout the planet have the kind of health care we do.  If we work together, we can eradicate preventable diseases so that some time in the future, the annual World Health Day event may become unnecessary. 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

I have always believed that volunteerism is the lifeblood of any decent and caring society.  The work that volunteers do and the miracles they perform not only positively affect those around them, but literally millions of other people around the globe as well.

 

I call them “miracles” simply because the results of volunteerism are nothing less than miraculous.  The changes that volunteers bring about are astounding, and the time and effort they give to causes around the world are truly the difference between despair on one hand and hope for a better future on another.

 

They say that kids are the leaders of tomorrow.  I actually disagree with this statement, because it assumes that youth have to grow up first to make a difference.  They don’t.  They can start right now.  This is why I recently started an exciting new program throughout Canada that I know will spur tens of thousands of young people into action.

 

Last year, I established an endowment fund at my school from the advance of my best-selling book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever.  Each spring, the student who completes the greatest number of hours of community volunteer service receives a special award provided by the endowment fund and is recognized by his or her teachers and principal at graduation.  It created a lot of buzz at school and had a huge impact on the community.  Young people who never even thought of volunteering before suddenly became inspired and realized how much fun it really can be.

 

Based on this success, I’m in the process of starting similar student volunteerism programs in middle schools across the country.  It will act not only as a catalyst to propel young people towards volunteerism, but will reinforce positive behaviours early in life and illustrate the importance of community involvement.  It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

 

Albert Einstein once wrote that “The significant problems we face in the world today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”  And to make a difference, we have to think outside the box and do something that has never been done before.  That’s where student volunteerism comes in.

 

Young people today enjoy a level of freedom and individual empowerment that kids throughout the centuries could have only dreamt of.  It wasn’t too long ago that adults regularly believed that young people should only be seen in public, and not heard.  Thankfully, we’ve moved beyond these outdated forms of thinking, and young people around the world are taking action like never before.

 

As young Canadians, we have the power, and we have the opportunity.  The choice between the world we have and the world we want is in our hands.  When young volunteers come together, give their time and work for a common cause, nothing - absolutely nothing - can stand in their way.  We have a new world to win for ourselves and generations to follow.  Let’s get started.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Racism is perhaps the most shameful and destructive aspect of human history.  Not a recent phenomenon, racism – the belief that one particular group of people is superior to another – has existed for thousands of years.  Taken to its illogical conclusion, perhaps the two most barbarous examples are the period of European Colonialism and Imperialism, spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries, and the Holocaust during World War II, where six million Jews died at the hands of the Nazis.

 

This week, the world will celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in late March.  Exactly fifty years ago this week in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people in Sharpeville, South Africa who were demonstrating peacefully against racial apartheid.  The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to strengthen its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

 

What was to become known as the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa acted as a turning point in the country’s history and brought about almost universal condemnation of the government and its apartheid policies.  Yet it would be another three decades until people of all races in South Africa had attained free speech and the right to vote.  As many in the American Civil Rights Movement used to say, “It’s a long road to freedom.”

 

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is remembered throughout the world with elected officials, community groups, labour unions, and non-governmental organizations working together to raise awareness about racism and build a world where, as Dr. Martin Luther King once said, “people are not judged by the colour of their skin but on the content of their character.”

 

Our own federal government in Ottawa participates as well.  Each year, it holds the popular “Racism. Stop It! National Video Competition,” which mobilizes thousands of youth across the country to create their own videos that express their feelings about eliminating racism.

 

What is most peculiar about racism is how profoundly illogical and unscientific it really is.  Decades of genetic research illustrate that all humans evolved from one origin tens of thousands of year ago, and that any differences in skin tone or hair colour, for example, are simply a product of geographical placement.  In fact, many scientists today refuse to believe that races even exist, and that only ethnic groups can be categorized within one, single human race.

 

During our current period of globalization, the transfer and exchange of people, cultures and knowledge are working to finally put racism into the dustbin of history, but even this won’t happen on its own.  It’s going to take the same kind of efforts it took to overthrow other forms of oppression throughout history.  But by working together, we can celebrate our diversity and embrace our differences, so that the “long road to freedom” might be just around the corner. 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

An epidemic of immense proportions is taking place in Africa that takes the lives of millions of people every year.  HIV/AIDS, which is the leading cause of death today in the continent, kills more people than any natural disaster, war, famine, illness or disease.  Yet whereas fighting droughts and bringing military conflicts to an end are fairly difficult, the spread of AIDS could be radically reduced through some relatively inexpensive measures.

 

The facts are overwhelming.  Inhabited by just over 14.7% of the world’s population, Africa is estimated to have more than 60% of the AIDS-infected population.  In countries like Tanzania, where I visited three years ago, almost 9% of the entire adult population is living with AIDS.  While in Swaziland, a small country located just to the east of South Africa, an incredible 61% of all deaths are caused by HIV/AIDS, and have lowered life expectancy from 61 years in 2000 to only 32 years today.

 

These deaths don’t only cause incredible suffering, they are eliminating an entire generation of teachers, farmers, scientists and most importantly, parents.  This is leaving millions of children without families to fend for themselves, pushing more young people into poverty.

 

The best way to reduce the spread of AIDS is three fold: education, education and education.  We may find a full cure for the AIDS virus one day, but until then, we have to take preventative measures, and this means teaching young people what AIDS is, how it spreads and what actions they can take to avoid catching the disease, and this means education.

 

Uganda is the leading success story when it comes to AIDS prevention and education.  In the early 1990s, almost 15% of citizens were HIV positive.  That number is now about 5%.  The country accomplished this through a massive awareness and education programme started by President Yoweri Museveni and the Ministry of Health.  

 

Lack of resources is an obvious challenge for many developing countries, although a great deal of aid is distributed throughout developing countries with high HIV/AIDS rates.  Every dollar counts, and it is amazing what just a little bit of money can accomplish. 

 

I am currently applying for the Do Something Award, a highly popular, American-based charitable award that provides the Grand Prize Winner $100,000 to spend on their own initiative.  I passed the first phase of the application and I’m currently preparing my application for the second and final stage.  My project calls for teams of young people from Africa to teach AIDS prevention and education to children throughout the continent. 

 

Students always respond more to young people their own age, and that’s the key to this project and its success.  I believe that this kind of education will engage and influence young people in Africa like never before, and lead to a sustainable decline in the AIDS epidemic throughout the continent.  For the last three years, I have spoken to dozens of organizations throughout Canada, raising funds for this program.  I firmly believe we will be able to start the project in Africa very soon – before it’s too late.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Just three years ago, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 20th as the World Day of Social Justice, which will be observed for the second time in 2010.  Although not a controversial subject, the term “social justice” means different things to different people.  Generally speaking, the concept refers to policies that ensure equality and fairness to all people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, economic class, nationality or religion.

 

It also includes every individual’s right to speak out, vote, participate in the political process, and join an organization of their choosing.  Social justice also entails economic rights for all people, including the right to a good-paying job, health care, education, housing and an overall decent standard of living.

 

Sounds almost impossible, doesn’t it?  But for many people in Canada and other countries around the world, many of these rights have generally been achieved.  It certainly didn’t come about overnight, and there’s a lot more work to do right here in Canada with regards to issues like equal rights, homelessness, and poverty, but just think of the huge progress we’ve made over the 100 years, or even 25.

 

On this World Day of Social Justice, states around the world are invited to devote this day to the promotion of concrete national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development.  As recognized by this Summit, these goals aim to build solidarity, harmony and equality both within and among countries throughout the world.

 

To achieve “a society for all,” governments make a commitment to the promotion of social justice at national, regional and international levels.  They also pledged to promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access to resources through equality and opportunity for all.  This is especially important.  Since World War II, the world has become a more unequal place, not only within countries, but between the wealthy “North” and the Global South.  Certain policies have made these problems even worse, and only recently have governments acknowledged this problem and have begun to work together to find solutions.

 

Governments have also recognized that economic growth should promote equity and social justice, and that a “society for all” must be based on respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

 

The observance of the day should contribute to the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment, decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

 

What is most interesting about this struggle for social justice is how similar it is throughout the world.  Whether you live in Scandinavia, the Middle East, or South America, all people want to be treated fairly.  Everyone wants to live in a decent society, where children can go to school, where people can access health care, and where citizens can vote freely and participate in the role of government.

 

This may sound like a dream.  But as we see from history, by working together, dreams can come true.

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Lakefield College High School, and especially Headmaster David Thompson, really showed their leadership and compassion this week for their massive initiative towards the Haitian relief efforts.  Lakefield is a real leader in the community and has a long history of supporting very important charitable initiatives.

 

Being a UNICEF Child Representative and Ambassador, I launched a fundraising challenge last week to all youth and schools throughout Canada to raise funds for the Haitian relief efforts.  Called the “Help for Haiti Challenge,” I’m asking each student to raise a minimum of $100. 

 

I know this may sound like a lot, but five years ago, I issued the “Canada Kids Earthquake Challenge,” where I urged children to each raise the same amount for the Tsunami relief efforts taking place in south-east Asia.  The results were incredible - youth raised millions of dollars, which were later matched by the Canadian government. 

 

If mainly grade school children could raise that much money, I think high school students today can do even more.  As Winston Churchill once wrote, “You make a living by what you get.  But you make a life by what you give.”  Most of the funds raised will go to help young Haitians.  We have to remember that nearly half the population of Haiti is under 18 years of age, and almost 40% are under the age of 14. 

 

 

With ongoing relief efforts made possible by your generous donations, there are incredible stories of children being rescued, even three weeks after the earthquake.  Tens of thousands have received water, food and medical treatment.  All this would be impossible without your support.

 

To add some incentive, I have agreed – after quite a bit of thought – to have my head shaved in honour of the school that raises the greatest amount of funds.  You heard me right!  The students from the top fundraising school throughout Canada will hold a public event where they will participate in shaving my head, faux-hawk and all. 

 

However, I won’t be the only one going bald.  Our very own Headmaster Thompson has agreed that if Lakefield College can raise at least $35,000 – or about $100 per student – we will get to shave his head right here on campus.  Not many Headmasters, principals, or Heads of School could show this kind of spirit.  He really is a lot of fun!

 

Lakefield has already taken action on this challenge and has begun actively fundraising.  This week, we’ve dressed down to casual clothes.  Using another innovative approach, the school had everyone eat soup for lunch one day, and the savings from this went to the Haitian relief efforts.  Lakefield has also developed other bold fundraising plans for the coming weeks.  Headmaster Thompson’s leadership was a key factor in the fundraising efforts.

 

I spoke to Lakefield students earlier this week.  Check out the video clip HERE!

 

UNICEF has achieved much in helping the children of Haiti.  To date, 13 plane-loads have landed with life-saving supplies for more than 250,000 children.  More are on the way this week carrying tents, sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies. 

 

Although this is remarkable, it still isn’t enough.  There are still many young children who are waiting for your help.  The people of Haiti have already suffered through decades of political disharmony and poverty.  It has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world, and education and health care are luxuries to hundreds of thousands of people in the country – and this was before the earthquake.

 

There’s a saying in Haitian Creole called “Men anmpil chay pa lou,” which means “Many hands make the load lighter.”  So I ask each and every one of you today to make the load lighter.  You can go to my UNICEF fundraising webpage by clicking here and make a donation to the Haitian relief efforts right now.  Let’s not wait any longer.  Let’s take action now and help heal a nation.

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

As you already know, the recent earthquake tragedy in Haiti has devastated the lives of millions of people.  Possibly 300,000 individuals have died, with hundreds of thousands of more injured, and relief workers are doing all they can to provide shelter, food and medical treatment to those in need.

 

As a UNICEF Child Representative and Ambassador, I am launching a fundraising challenge to all youth and schools throughout Canada to raise funds for the Haitian relief efforts.  I am asking each student to raise a minimum of $100.  Please get your schools involved now in helping the people and – especially the children – of Haiti.

 

To have a little fun, I will shave my head in honour of the school or student that raises the greatest amount of funds.  That’s right.  I’m going to shave my head, faux hawk and all!  There are a thousand different ways to raise funds.  So get together with friends and start brainstorming for those unique ideas that are sure to make your school the leading fundraiser. 

 

Also, you can go to my UNICEF fundraising website by clicking here and make a donation to the Haitian relief efforts right now.  You can even start your own or your school’s fundraising webpage here.   You can then send this link to your own contacts to donate and keep track of your fundraising progress.  So please don’t wait another minute.

 

I want to thank you so much for helping to save lives.  And remember, “Together We Can Make A Difference.”

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

 

 

Throughout the history of our world, there comes a person every few decades or so who challenges traditional values, breaks through barriers, brings people together, and helps creates a better world.  Dr. Martin Luther King was one of those people. 

              

This week we celebrate what would have been his 81st birthday.  Dr. King’s accomplishments speak for themselves.  Borrowing from the ideals of Gandhi and other human rights leaders, he helped create the U.S. Civil Rights movement, promoting equal rights between peoples of all colours and religious backgrounds.  Along with labour unions and other equal rights organizations, he led the March on Washington in 1963, where hundreds of thousands of people listened to his dream for a better America.

              

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.  I have a dream today!”  This wasn’t just a speech.  It was poetry.

              

A year later, Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination.  He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, and a national holiday was established in his name in 1986.

              

It is important to realize that the Civil Rights Movement didn’t start with the March on Washington.  Believe it or not, it began with very small groups of people in Church basements in the U.S. South, which really goes to show that it only takes a handful of people to start a movement that can change the world. 

              

Also important are the other values that Dr. King stood for, many of which are ignored or forgotten by historians and journalists.  First and foremost, he believed in peace and was a rigorous opponent of the Vietnam War.  One doesn’t have to be a history professor to realize what he would have thought of the Iraq War if he were alive today.  King also believed in the rights of workers and the poor, and that everyone should have access to a good paying job, health care, education, housing and other necessities of life.  As the Civil Rights leaders used to say in the 1960s, let’s keep our eyes on the prize.

              

Today, King is considered one of the greatest Americans in history.  Yet during his life, he received criticism from people in positions of power and privilege, many of whom labelled him “radical” or “revolutionary.”  Sounds familiar?  It’s some of the same rhetoric thrown at President Barack Obama, an advocate for social justice and equality in his own right. 

              

The link between Dr. King and President Obama today is very strong.  As one writer put it, “Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King Jr. could march so Obama could run so the children of tomorrow can fly.”  It illustrates our need to continue the work of Dr. King and all those who came before him so that one day, we really will see his dream become reality. 

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

With the New Year and a new decade just days away, it is time to take stock of what we have accomplished over the past year and set goals for the near and long term future.

              

As for me, I had a very eventful and enjoyable 2009.  Firstly, I want to thank each and every one of you who have helped me make it such a successful year.  I also want to thank those throughout Canada and the world who have given their time, resources and energy to make change.  You are the true unsung heroes who make the world a better place.

              

In 2009, I held the “Barefoot Challenge,” where I lived life without shoes for seven days during National Volunteer Week, from April 19 to 25.  Thousands of young people from more than 25 countries around the world kicked off their shoes to better understand the struggles faced by poor children in underdeveloped countries, many of whom cannot afford shoes, let alone other basic necessities.  When people asked me why I didn’t have shoes, I told them because millions of children throughout the world didn’t either.

              

During the summer, I had the honour of traveling to South Africa to meet with Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.  We spoke about so much that is happening in the world today, and how young people can work together to create a better world.  I also had the opportunity to meet some incredible students at schools throughout the country. 

              

In August, I participated in a scientific expedition in the Arctic called “Students on Ice,” where 75 young people and 30 scientists from all over the globe learned how increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change are affecting the rest of the planet.  I also continued on a very busy speaking tour for my book, Making Change: Tips From an Underage Overachiever, and was the focus of a story on CNN.

              

Yet all this activity took a lot of planning months earlier.  In fact, I have already begun planning for my short and long term activities over the next year – and the next decade.

              

In the second part of my book, there are worksheets that will help you plan your next twelve months.   They ask you to list spiritual, personal, educational, community service, financial and even fitness goals.  There are also weekly and monthly goal lists that will help you stay on track throughout the year.

              

The worksheets also ask you to list your strengths and most importantly, your personal mission statement, so that you can utilize what you do best in order to live 2010 – and the next decade – to the fullest.  The best way of doing that is to realize what your dreams are.  After all, dreams are simply your goals being fulfilled. 

              

So start dreaming and realizing your potential.  Here’s wishing you the best in 2010 and beyond.  Keep on making change, and Happy New Year! 

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Last night, I carried the Olympic flame through the streets of Toronto!  My journey started at Sick Kids Hospital with thousands of onlookers and media.  It was a bit chilly, but the incredible Olympic spirit kept everyone warm and in a celebratory mood.  It was so great to share the moment with my parents and friends who were present. 

 

I can’t begin to tell you how much of an honour this really was.  I am one of more then 12,000 torchbearers who are carrying the flame throughout our great country.  The Olympics has such an important message of international peace, unity and friendship, and I think the spirit of these games will inspire people of all backgrounds to work together in creating a better world. 

 

Thanks again for all your support.  Talk to you soon!

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Today was my last day of school at Lakefield College in 2009.  Actually, it was my last day of school for the entire decade.  I started Grade 9 at Lakefield in September and it’s been an incredible first term.  It’s a great school to learn and meet new friends.

 

Our Headmaster, David Thompson, surprised everyone today by dressing up as Santa Claus and wishing the students well as they packed and went home for the holidays.  It shows that educators care deeply about both the education and well-being of their students.

 

A team also went from class to class, signing Jingle Bell Rock, which got everyone in good holiday spirits.  The last four months have gone incredibly fast, which is a sign that I really enjoyed it!  When I return in early January, it will be a new year and a new decade.

 

What’s great about Canada – and Lakefield College as well – is that we are so culturally diverse, and people from all over the world come here and are free to celebrate and practice their religious beliefs.

 

I want to wish you all Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Marry Eid and Season’s Greetings to everyone who will celebrate the holidays in their own unique ways with friends and family.

 

And once again, I wanted to remind you that I’ll be carrying the Olympic Flame in Toronto on Thursday, and I hope you can attend this celebration with me.

 

My segment of the relay will start at approximately 6:25 pm at the back of Sick Kids Hospital on Elizabeth Avenue (a block south of College Street, just east of University Avenue) and turn right along Elm Street, then turning right on University Avenue to the staff entrance of Sick Kids Hospital.  I hope to see you all there!

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

The Winter Olympics are just a few weeks away and Vancouver is preparing to organize a remarkable cultural and physical phenomenon that has become an international symbol for the betterment of humankind in winter sports.

 

I am honoured to tell you all that I have been given a unique opportunity to participate in this upcoming Olympics.  On December 17th, I will be carrying the Olympic Flame through the streets of downtown Toronto.  One of the sponsors, the Royal Bank of Canada, asked me and I was overwhelmed and humbled to be one of the 12,000 torchbearers chosen.

 

I ask for all your support to attend this celebration with me when I carry the torch.  My Olympic torchbearer number is OTR049-254 and my segment of the relay will start at approximately 6:25 pm at the back of Sick Kids Hospital on Elizabeth Avenue (a block south of College Street, just east of University Avenue) and turn right along Elm Street, then turning right on University Avenue to the staff entrance of Sick Kids Hospital.

 

The Olympic Games are really one of the few international events where people from throughout the world can come together in the spirit of good sportsmanship and citizenship and just have fun.  I hope to honour and celebrate this spirit with all of you on December 17th in Toronto when I carry the Flame and again, thank you for all your support.

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

I am happy to announce that I received the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in Toronto.  This year, the AFP chose seven award winners, and I attended with my Mom and Dad.

 

Recipients included Joseph and Sandra Rotman (Outstanding Philanthropists), John Hunkin (Outstanding Volunteer), CIBC (Outstanding Corporation), The Counselling Foundation of Canada (Outstanding Foundation), Shawn St. Michael (Outstanding Fundraising Professional), and The Redwood and Station Gallery (co-recipients of the Small Organization for Excellence in Fundraising).

 

The AFP Greater Toronto Chapter Philanthropy Awards are a celebration of the outstanding contribution of time, leadership and financial support made by organizations and individuals, who have set excellence benchmarks in encouraging the spirit of giving.

 

 

I want to thank each and every one of you who has worked with me in raising funds over the past few years.  I share this award with you!  Thank you!

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

International Volunteer Day takes place on December 5th each year and is celebrated in a majority of countries throughout the world.  Its main goal is not only to thank volunteers for their efforts, but to encourage everyone to get involved and make a difference in their own communities.

                

The day has been observed since 1985, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution marking the global celebration.  For the past quarter century, governments, businesses and non-profit organizations have contributed to International Volunteer Day through a host of activities, including community projects, parades marches and rallies, award ceremonies for volunteers, and of course, volunteering activities.

              

Many counties have also utilized International Volunteer Day to focus volunteers’ time to help achieve the targets of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, which aim to combat hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women.  Representatives from the media and academia, faith groups and even sporting and recreational organizations are often involved as well.

              

This makes International Volunteer Day sound like a celebration where only the big players are involved.  But don’t let this stop you from getting together with your friends and volunteering or holding an event in your own community, because the bulk of the day’s activities really take place at the local level.  Small groups of people all over the world will be volunteering their time in a variety of activities.

              

How about yourself?  What will you and your friends and family do this December 5th?  Volunteer with a local non-profit organization, a hospital, or environmental group?  Hold your own event to raise funds and awareness about an issue you care deeply about?  There are a number of groups in your community that need your help.  They’re just a phone call away.  If you’re not sure who to contact, simply go online and look up some of the non-profit organizations in your town or community.   

              

In fact, why stop on December 5th?  For young adults, there are opportunities to travel abroad and work with non-governmental organizations and charitable groups.  I have had the pleasure of travelling and volunteering in places like Latin and South America, south-east Asia and central Africa.  And believe me, it is a pleasure.  You’ll have the chance to take on once in a lifetime experiences and meet people from all over the world.  What else could you ask for?

              

This year’s International Volunteer Day has a very special theme.  Just two weeks from now, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to discuss solutions to global warming, air pollution and other serious environmental problems.  Recognizing this, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is inviting everyone to join the “Volunteering for Our Planet” campaign and volunteer their time this December 5th to help clean up the environment.  There is more information about the programme at www.sealthedeal2009.org/unv.

              

As I’ve written many times before, volunteerism shouldn’t really be considered “work,” mainly because it’s so much fun!  So start making plans for December 5th and get ready to make a difference.  

 

                

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

During the current economic crisis, Canada’s education system is facing serious challenges.  With large government budget deficits mounting, cutbacks to important social services are on the way.  Our schools are no exception.  This is coming at a time when schools have already seen their budgets trimmed during the last decade and a half.  Boards will have to make some very difficult choices, and most experts agree that Canada’s reputation as having the best education system in the world will be under threat. 

 

Everyone knows that education costs money, but what if there was a way that students could learn while actually bringing money INTO the system and enhancing their own education?  Now, there is.  

 

CooKids, which stands for Contributing, Organizing and Outstanding Kids, is a program that allows students throughout Canada to raise funds for their own schools while learning important organizational, administrative and communication skills.

 

In 2004, I had the idea of selling cookies at my school in Aurora, Ontario to raise funds for the citizens of Haiti, who were devastated by a recent hurricane.  At first, I was only given a few boxes, but after a lot of planning, marketing and hard work, my friends and I ended up selling over 1,000 of them and raised more than $6,000 for the relief efforts.

 

It was the start of something big, because if a small group of kids at one school can do this much, imagine what tens of thousands of students across Canada can do.  I recently set out to create the basis of a cookie sales program that school boards can use throughout Canada.

 

Most importantly, I’ve also applied for an Aviva funding grant for the program, which will help get CooKids off the ground and into thousands of schools across the country.  The thing is that to be selected, people have to go to the Aviva website and vote for it.

 

So please click here and cast your vote today!  It will make a huge difference.  I really appreciate your support. Thanks.

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together We Can Make A Difference”

 

 

Halloween is a holiday that kids throughout the western world look forward to every autumn.  Like many 13 year-olds, I love trick or treating with friends and collecting candy.  But this year, like many before, I will also be raising funds for children in Africa through the Trick or Treat Program of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an organization founded in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to kids in countries that had been hurt in World War II. 

 

Being a UNICEF Children’s Ambassador, the Trick or Treat program means a lot to me.  It first started in Philadelphia almost sixty years ago, and to date, young people in Canada alone have raised almost $100 million through the program.  Just imagine how much of a difference this has made in the lives of kids around the world.

 

Children in underdeveloped countries are in dire need of help.  The United Nations states that one in three children will never see the inside of a classroom in their entire lives, and almost 60% of these out-of-school children are girls.  At the same time, tens of millions of kids around the world can’t read because they never had a chance to learn.  Imagine not being able to email one of your friends, read one of your friend’s messages, or read a website or a book from your favourite author.

 

Thankfully, young people in Canada will again have the opportunity to make a difference this month and raise millions of dollars for children around the world.  Leading up to Halloween, participants can sign people up for pledges after school, which could be $10, $25, $50, or whatever they can give.  The kids will then bring their pledge sheets and the money they’ve raised back to school by October 31^st.

 

The monies go directly to UNICEF, the building of schools and the provision of education to children in the African countries of Rwanda and Malawi, which I visited two years ago, and where rates of child poverty are among the highest in the world. 

 

The program has a great website at www.trickortreatforunicef.ca.  When you log on, you can find out more information about UNICEF and the program.  There’s also a games page and in the media room, a video message from Nelson Mandela, the former President of South African who I had the pleasure of meeting in June 2009 in Johannesburg. 

 

The former secretary-general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, once said: “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.  Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace.  Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.” 

 

Each of us has this opportunity, and I am absolutely positive that through the UNICEF Trick or Treat program, we will make the best of it.  Here is our chance to help children in central Africa and really make a difference for those who have so little.  What is collecting candy and pledges for us means building a school for them.

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Bilaal Rajan

“Together we CAN make a difference”

What an incredible experience! I just returned from an Arctic scientific expedition to learn about the people, habitat and environment of our Great White North. All I can say is “amazing!”

The Students on Ice (www.studentsonice.com) expedition consisted of 75 bright, enthusiastic students (and future leaders, I must say) and 30 scientists from around the world. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a Filter For Good grant by Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). Filter for Good is a program designed to educate Canadians on the impacts of bottled water waste. The people on the team that accompanied me on this expedition are some of the most incredible people I’ve met.

The Arctic and Antarctic Polar Regions are a window into the environmental future of our planet. In these areas, scientists can study ice sheets and better understand the future of climate change on Earth. With Students on Ice, we not only discussed these and other environmental problems, but also worked towards solutions that will guarantee future generations a greener, cleaner planet. We also worked with local Inuit and learned how the region is shaping Canadian identity.

The diverse animal life we encountered was so awe-inspiring and magnetic, we all wanted to see them at close range. On one particular Zodiac ride, after exploring the sea for about 10 minutes, we spotted a huge group of walruses just sitting on a very small piece of ice. As we slowly drifted towards them, we eventually ended up just 100 feet away.

The next highlight was the so-called “King of the Arctic,” a giant white polar bear. As it consumed the remaining carcass of an unfortunate seal, I just sat there for a long time and admired the majestic presence of such an amazing animal in its natural habitat. It then dawned on me how fragile life of any kind really is on our planet. Not many of us realize that the world around us is not just a place for us humans, it’s our ONLY home and one that also belongs to animals as well. By destroying it, we put our lives and those of future living generations in grave danger. I compare it to setting one’s house on fire and slowly watching it burn down. The only difference is that we are still in the house and there is nowhere else to go. If the house goes, so do we all.

On an average day during the expedition, we were woken up at 7:30 am (and I have to admit I wasn’t an early riser), had breakfast and began our trek. The most important thing to realize about the Arctic zone is almost too obvious: the cold. Even in the middle of summer, it can freeze if you don’t dress warmly, especially at night, and many of my colleagues were bundled up to keep warm. I love the cold, so this was just perfect weather for me.

Besides the treks, the lectures, the zodiac trips, and the participation in the lives of the people of the northern communities, what else can one do in the chilly summer weather? Go swimming, of course! Yes, you read correctly. We went swimming! I am justifiably proud to say that I was the second person on the expedition to go into the frigid water but the first to get my entire body underwater. Of course, the water was freezing. It was so cold that when I surfaced, I could barely breathe. After a while, my body got used to the temperature and it actually became a lot of fun. I went in three times at intervals because if you stay in too long, you can actually get hypothermia. We all screamed with both outright excitement and downright pain from the numbness in our bones.

Culturally, I was most impressed with the towns and communities we visited throughout the expedition. We stopped in a village called Kimmirut in the eastern part of Nunavut Territory, north of Quebec. Inhabited by about 450 people, it has two convenience stores, one school, one daycare, one souvenir shop and a few other buildings on the town’s main street.

As we were walking back to shore, we saw a local hunter with a seal he had caught, cutting and sharing the meat with the entire community. He told me that every time someone catches an animal, the entire village shares it to symbolize the importance of unity. The hunter explained that it was a long-standing tradition that existed for as long as he could remember. If we could apply that philosophy with the rest of the world, we could eradicate a lot of suffering and injustices at the moment. That was an unexpected but real learning experience for all of us.

Over the course of the expedition, the participants really bonded and became very close. We truly became a family and I will definitely miss Geoff Green, our expedition leader, waking us up every morning over the intercom with, “Good Morning, Students Ooooon Ice!” I will also miss Travis’ funny wisecracks, Vino’s crazy impressions, and everyone’s willingness to help. The expedition staff was incredibly supportive, very knowledgeable and always there to answer any question you had.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. I learned so much on this trip, about myself and my surroundings and specifically the interplay of our actions on the environment. Being able to experience such raw beauty is inspiring and really makes you think about how important it is to protect our planet and not take it for granted. I am sincere when saying that I want to take even greater action in my endeavours to include environmental causes with my commitment to other social issues. I strongly believe they are not independent of each other, but very much interconnected.

This expedition has been an eye, soul, and mind opening experience for me and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I would sincerely like to thank Brita and Students On Ice for enabling me to participate and hopefully contribute to this remarkable journey and enlightening experience.

As they say in Inuktitut, the Aboriginal language of the region, “Qujannamiik” (Koo – Ya – Na - Meek). Until Next Time!

Mon Jouney arctique
Automatically translated into French thanks to WorldLingo
Quelle expérience incroyable ! Je suis juste retourné d'une expédition scientifique arctique pour me renseigner sur les personnes, l'habitat et l'environnement de notre grand nord blanc. Tout que je peux dire « stupéfie !  »

Les étudiants sur l'expédition de glace (www.studentsonice.com) se sont composés de 75 lumineux, d'étudiants enthousiastes (et de futurs chefs, je dois dire) et de 30 scientifiques de partout dans le monde. J'étais assez chanceux pour être attribué un filtre pour la bonne concession par Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). Le filtre pour de bon est un programme conçu pour instruire des Canadiens sur les impacts de la perte mis en bouteille de l'eau. Les personnes sur l'équipe qui m'a accompagné sur cette expédition sont certaines des personnes les plus incroyables que j'ai la met.

Les régions polaires arctiques et antarctiques sont une fenêtre dans le futur environnemental de notre planète. Dans ces secteurs, les scientifiques peuvent étudier des feuilles de glace et mieux comprendre le futur du changement de climat sur terre. Avec des étudiants sur la glace, nous avons non seulement discuté ces derniers et d'autres problèmes écologiques, mais avons également travaillé vers les solutions qui garantiront de futures générations une planète plus verte et plus propre. Nous avons également travaillé avec l'Inuit local et avons appris comment la région forme l'identité canadienne.

La vie animale diverse que nous avons rencontrée était ainsi intimider-inspirante et magnétique, nous avons tout voulu les voir à la gamme étroite. Sur un tour particulier de zodiaque, après avoir exploré la mer pendant environ 10 minutes, nous avons repèré un groupe énorme de walruses se reposant juste sur un morceau de glace très petit. Pendant que nous dérivions lentement vers eux, nous avons par la suite fini vers le haut de juste 100 pieds de distance.

Le prochain point culminant était le prétendu « roi de l'Arctique, » un ours blanc blanc géant. Car il a consommé la carcasse restante d'un joint malheureux, je juste me suis assis là pendant longtemps et ai admiré la présence majestueuse d'un animal si étonnant dans son habitat normal. Il a alors né sur moi comme la vie fragile de la sorte est vraiment sur notre planète. Pas bon nombre d'entre nous se rendent compte que le monde autour de nous n'est pas simplement un endroit pour nous des humains, il est des nos SEULEMENT à la maison et qui appartiennent également aux animaux aussi bien. En le détruisant, nous avons mis nos vies et ceux de futures générations vivantes dans le danger grave. Je le compare à placer la maison à un sur le feu et à l'observer lentement brûler vers le bas. La seule différence est que nous sommes toujours dans la maison et là sommes nulle part d'autre pour aller. Si la maison disparaît, ainsi nous tous.

Un jour moyen pendant l'expédition, nous avons été réveillés chez 7:30 AM (et moi doivent admettre que je n'étais pas une canalisation verticale tôt), avons pris le petit déjeuner et avons commencé notre voyage. La chose la plus importante à réaliser au sujet de la zone arctique est presque trop évidente : le froid. Même au milieu de l'été, il peut geler si vous ne vous habillez pas chaudement, particulièrement la nuit, et plusieurs de mes collègues étaient empaquetés jusqu'à la subsistance chaude. J'aime le froid, ainsi c'était juste temps parfait pour moi.

Sans compter que les voyages, les conférences, les voyages de zodiaque, et la participation aux vies des personnes des communautés nordiques, qu'on faire en été frais peut-il survit-il ? Allez nager, naturellement ! Oui, vous avez lu correctement. Nous sommes allés nager ! Je suis d'une manière justifiable fier de dire que j'étais la deuxième personne sur l'expédition à entrer dans l'eau glaciale mais la première pour obtenir mon corps entier sous-marin. Naturellement, l'eau gelait. Il faisait si froid que quand j'ai apprêté, je pourrais à peine respirer. Après un moment, mon corps s'est habitué à la température et c'est devenu réellement beaucoup d'amusement. Je suis entré dans trois à des intervalles parce que si vous restez dans trop long, vous pouvez réellement obtenir l'hypothermie. Nous avons tout crié avec tous les deux tout à fait l'excitation et la douleur directe de l'engourdissement dans des nos os.

Culturelement, j'ai été plus impressionné avec les villes et les communautés que nous avons rendues visite dans toute l'expédition. Nous nous sommes arrêtés dans un village appelé Kimmirut dans la partie orientale du territoire de Nunavut, nord du Québec. Habité par environ 450 personnes, il a deux bazarettes, une école, une garde, un magasin de souvenir et quelques autres bâtiments sur la rue principale de la ville.

Pendant que nous marchions de nouveau au rivage, nous avons vu un chasseur local avec un joint qu'il avait attrapé, coupant et partageant la viande avec la communauté entière. Il m'a dit que cela chaque fois quelqu'un des crochets un animal, le village entier le partage pour symboliser l'importance de l'unité. Le chasseur a expliqué que c'était une tradition de longue date pour laquelle a existé tant que il pourrait se rappeler. Si nous pourrions appliquer cette philosophie avec le reste du monde, nous pourrions supprimer beaucoup de souffrance et d'injustices à l'heure actuelle. C'était une expérience d'étude inattendue mais vraie pour tous les nous.

Au-dessus du cours en expédition, les participants ont vraiment collé et sont devenus très étroits. Nous sommes vraiment devenus une famille et je m'ennuierai certainement du vert de Geoff, notre chef d'expédition, nous réveillant vers le haut de chaque matin au-dessus de l'intercom avec, « bonjour, glace d'Ooooon d'étudiants ! » Je les wisecracks drôles m'ennuierai également de Travis', les impressions folles du vin, et chacun volonté d'aider. Le personnel d'expédition était incroyablement de support, très bien informé et répondre toujours là à n'importe quelle question que vous avez eue.

Mais comme ils disent, toutes les bonnes choses doivent se terminer. J'ai appris tellement en ce voyage, au sujet de me et mes environnements et spécifiquement l'effet de nos actions sur l'environnement. Pouvoir éprouver une telle beauté crue inspire et vraiment marque que vous pensez à à quel point elle importante est de protéger notre planète et de ne pas la prendre pour accordé. Je suis sincère en disant que je veux prendre encore une plus grande mesure dans mes efforts d'inclure des causes environnementales avec mon engagement à d'autres questions sociales. Je crois fortement qu'ils ne sont pas indépendant de l'un l'autre, mais tout d'abord relié ensemble.

Cette expédition a été un oeil, âme, et l'expérience d'ouverture d'esprit pour moi et moi se rappellera le pour le reste de ma vie. Je voudrais sincèrement remercier Brita et étudiants sur la glace de me permettre de participer et contribuer si tout va bien à ce voyage remarquable et d'éclairer l'expérience.

Comme ils disent dans Inuktitut, la langue indigène de la région, « Qujannamiik » (Koo - Ya - Na - doux). Jusqu'à prochaine Fois !

Mi Jouney ártico
Automatically translated into Spanish thanks to WorldLingo
¡Una qué experiencia increíble! Acabo de volver de una expedición científica ártica para aprender sobre la gente, el habitat y el ambiente de nuestro gran norte blanco. ¡Todo lo que puedo decir “está sorprendiendo! ”

Los estudiantes en la expedición del hielo (www.studentsonice.com) consistieron en 75 brillantes, estudiantes entusiásticos (y los líderes futuros, debo decir) y 30 científicos de alrededor del mundo. Era bastante afortunado ser concedido un filtro para la buena concesión por Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). El filtro para bueno es un programa diseñado para educar a canadienses en los impactos de la basura en botella del agua. La gente en el equipo que me acompañó en esta expedición es alguna de la gente más increíble que tengo met.

Las regiones polares árticas y antárticas son una ventana en el futuro ambiental de nuestro planeta. En estas áreas, los científicos pueden estudiar las hojas del hielo y entender mejor el futuro del cambio del clima en la tierra. Con los estudiantes en el hielo, no sólo discutimos éstos y otros problemas ambientales, pero también trabajamos hacia las soluciones que garantizarán las generaciones futuras un planeta más verde, más limpio. También trabajamos con el Inuit local y aprendimos cómo la región está formando identidad canadiense.

La vida animal diversa que encontramos era tan aterrorizar-inspirante y magnético, deseamos todo verlos en la gama cercana. En un paseo particular del zodiaco, después de explorar el mar por cerca de 10 minutos, manchamos un grupo enorme de walruses apenas que se sentaban en un pedazo muy pequeño de hielo. Mientras que mandilamos lentamente hacia ellos, terminamos eventual encima de apenas 100 pies lejos.

El toque de luz siguiente era el “rey supuesto del ártico,” un oso polar blanco gigante. Pues consumió la caparazón restante de un sello desafortunado, acabo de sentarme allí durante mucho tiempo y admiré la presencia majestuosa de un animal tan asombroso en su habitat natural. Entonces amaneció en mí cómo la vida frágil de la clase realmente está en nuestro planeta. No muchos de nosotros realizan que el mundo alrededor de nosotros no es justo un lugar para nosotros los seres humanos, él son nuestro SOLAMENTE caseros y que también pertenece a los animales también. Destruyéndolo, pusimos nuestras vidas y las de las generaciones vivas futuras en peligro grave. Lo comparo a fijar su casa en el fuego y lentamente a mirarla quemarse abajo. La única diferencia es que todavía estamos en la casa y allí somos en ninguna parte otra ir. Si va la casa, tan todos.

Por un día medio durante la expedición, nos despertaron en 7:30 (y yo tienen que admitir que no era una canalización vertical temprana), desayunábamos y comenzamos nuestro emigramos. La cosa más importante a realizar sobre la zona ártica es casi demasiado obvia: el frío. Incluso en el medio de verano, puede congelar si usted no viste con gusto, especialmente en la noche, y liaron muchos de mis colegas hasta la subsistencia caliente. Amo el frío, así que éste era apenas tiempo perfecto para mí.

¿Además de emigra, las conferencias, el zodiaco dispara, y la participación en las vidas de la gente de las comunidades norteñas, qué más puede una hacer en el verano frío resistió? ¡Vaya a nadar, por supuesto! Sí, usted leyó correctamente. ¡Fuimos a nadar! Soy justificable orgulloso decir que era la segunda persona en la expedición a entrar el agua frígida pero la primera para conseguir mi cuerpo entero subacuático. Por supuesto, el agua congelaba. Era tan frío que cuando emergí, podría respirar apenas. Un poco después, mi cuerpo consiguió utilizado a la temperatura y se convirtió en realmente muchos de diversión. Entré en tres veces en los intervalos porque si usted permanece en demasiado largo, usted puede conseguir realmente hipotermia. Gritamos todo con ambos francamente el entusiasmo y el dolor downright del entumecimiento en nuestros huesos.

Cultural, me impresionaron más con las ciudades y las comunidades que visitamos a través de la expedición. Paramos en una aldea llamada Kimmirut en la parte del este del territorio de Nunavut, norte de Quebec. Habitado por cerca de 450 personas, tiene dos almacenes de conveniencia, una escuela, una guardería, una tienda del recuerdo y algunos otros edificios en la calle principal de la ciudad.

Mientras que caminábamos de nuevo a orilla, vimos a cazador local con un sello que él había cogido, cortando y compartiendo la carne con la comunidad entera. Él me dijo que eso cada vez alguien los retenes un animal, la aldea entera la comparta para simbolizar la importancia de la unidad. El cazador explicó que era una tradición de muchos años para la cual existió mientras él podría recordar. Si podríamos aplicar esa filosofía con el resto del mundo, podríamos suprimir muchos de sufrimiento y de injusticias en el momento. Eso era una experiencia de aprendizaje inesperada pero verdadera para todos nosotros.

Sobre el curso de la expedición, los participantes realmente enlazaron e hicieron muy cercanos. Hicimos verdad una familia y faltaré definitivamente el verde de Geoff, nuestro líder de la expedición, despertándonos encima de cada mañana sobre el intercomunicador con, “buena mañana, hielo de Ooooon de los estudiantes!” También faltaré los wisecracks divertidos a Travis', las impresiones locas del vino, y cada una buena voluntad de ayudar. El personal de la expedición estaba increíblemente de apoyo, muy bien informado y siempre allí contestar a cualquier pregunta que usted tuviera.

Pero como dicen, todas las buenas cosas deben acabar. Aprendí tanto en este viaje, sobre me y mis alrededores y específicamente la interacción de nuestras acciones en el ambiente. El poder experimentar tal belleza cruda está inspirando y realmente las marcas que usted piensa de cómo es importante es proteger nuestro planeta y no tomarlo para concedido. Soy sincero al decir que deseo tomar incluso la mayor acción en mis esfuerzos para incluir causas ambientales con mi comisión a otras ediciones sociales. Creo fuertemente que no son independiente de uno a, pero mucho interconectado.

Esta expedición ha sido un ojo, alma, y la experiencia de la abertura de la mente para mí y mí lo recordará para el resto de mi vida. Quisiera sinceramente agradecer Brita y a estudiantes en el hielo por permitirme participar y esperanzadamente contribuir a este viaje notable y aclarar experiencia.

Como dicen en Inuktitut, la lengua aborigen de la región, “Qujannamiik” (Koo - Ya - Na - manso). ¡Hasta Vez siguiente!

Il mio Jouney artico
Automatically translated into Italian thanks to WorldLingo
Ché esperienza incredibile! Ho rinviato appena da una spedizione scientifica artica per imparare circa la gente, l'habitat e l'ambiente del nostro nord bianco grande. Tutto che possa dire “sta stupendo! „

Gli allievi sulla spedizione del ghiaccio (www.studentsonice.com) hanno consistito di 75 luminosi, degli allievi entusiastici (e capi futuri, devo dire) e di 30 scienziati intorno al mondo. Ero abbastanza fortunato ricevere un filtro per la buona concessione da Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). Il filtro per buon è un programma destinato per istruire i canadesi sugli effetti dello spreco in bottiglia dell'acqua. La gente sulla squadra che lo ha accompagnato su questa spedizione è alcuna della gente che più incredibile ho met.

Le regioni polari artiche ed antartiche sono una finestra nel futuro ambientale del nostro pianeta. In queste zone, gli scienziati possono studiare i fogli del ghiaccio e capire più meglio il futuro del cambiamento di clima su terra. Con gli allievi su ghiaccio, non solo abbiamo discusso questi ed altri problemi ambientali, ma inoltre abbiamo lavorato verso le soluzioni che garantiranno le generazioni future un pianeta più verde e più pulito. Inoltre abbiamo lavorato con il Inuit locale ed abbiamo imparato come la regione sta modellando l'identità canadese.

La vita che animale varia abbiamo incontrato era così awe-ispirante e magnetico, interamente abbiamo desiderato vederli a gamma vicina. Su un giro particolare dello Zodiac, dopo l'esplorazione del mare per circa 10 minuti, abbiamo macchiato un gruppo enorme dei walruses che si siedono appena su una parte di ghiaccio molto piccola. Mentre siamo andato alla deriva lentamente verso loro, finalmente ci siamo conclusi su appena 100 piedi via.

Il punto culminante seguente era il cosiddetto “re dell'Artide,„ un orso polare bianco gigante. Poichè ha consumato la carcassa restante di una guarnizione sfavorevole, mi sono seduto appena a lungo là ed ho ammirato la presenza maestosa di così animale stupefacente nel relativo habitat naturale. Allora ha albeggiato su me come la durata fragile affatto del genere realmente è sul nostro pianeta. Non molti di noi si rendono conto che il mondo intorno noi non è giusto un posto per noi esseri umani, esso sono il nostri SOLTANTO domestico e che inoltre appartiene agli animali pure. Distruggendolo, abbiamo messo le nostre vite e quelle delle generazioni viventi future nel pericolo grave. Lo confronto alla regolazione della sua casa su fuoco e lentamente a guardarla bruciarmi giù. L'unica differenza è che siamo ancora nella casa e là è in nessun posto altra andare. Se la casa va, così tutti.

Un giorno medio durante la spedizione, siamo stati svegliati a 7:30 (ed io devono ammettere che non ero una colonna montante in anticipo), abbiamo mangiati la prima colazione ed abbiamo cominciato il nostro viaggio. La cosa più importante da realizzare circa la zona artica è quasi troppo evidente: il freddo. Anche nel mezzo dell'estate, può congelare se non vi vestite calorosamente, particolarmente alla notte e molti dei miei colleghe fossero impacchettati fino alla conservazione calda. Amo il freddo, in modo da questo era appena tempo perfetto per me.

Oltre ai viaggi, alle conferenze, ai viaggi dello zodiac ed alla partecipazione alle vite della gente delle Comunità nordiche, che altro può una fare di estate fredda espone all'aria? Vada nuotare, naturalmente! Sì, avete letto correttamente. Siamo andato nuotare! Sono in conformità della legge fiero dire che ero la seconda persona sulla spedizione da entrare nell'acqua frigid ma nel prima per ottenere il mio intero corpo subacqueo. Naturalmente, l'acqua stava congelando. Era così freddo che quando sono emerso, potrei respirare a mala pena. Dopo un istante, il mio corpo ha ottenuto usato alla temperatura e realmente si è trasformato in in divertimento molto. Sono andato in tre volte a intervalli perché se rimanete in troppo lungo, potete realmente ottenere l'ipotermia. Interamente abbiamo gridato con entrambi completamente l'eccitamento ed il dolore downright dall'intorpidimento in nostre ossa.

Culturalmente, più sono stato impressionato con le città e le Comunità che abbiamo visitato durante la spedizione. Ci siamo arrestati in un villaggio denominato Kimmirut nella parte orientale del territorio di Nunavut, nord della Quebec. Abitato da circa 450 genti, ha due depositi di convenienza, una scuola, l'una guardia, un negozio del ricordo ed alcune altre costruzioni sulla via principale della città.

Mentre stavamo camminando di nuovo al puntello, abbiamo visto un cacciatore locale con una guarnizione che aveva interferito, tagliando e ripartendo la carne con l'intera Comunità. Mi ha detto che quello sempre qualcuno fermi un animale, l'intero villaggio lo ripartisse per simbolizzare l'importanza di unità. Il cacciatore ha spiegato che era una tradizione di vecchia data che ha esistito per finchè potrebbe ricordarsi di. Se potessimo applicare quella filosofia con il resto del mondo, potremmo sradicare il suffering molto ed i injustices al momento. Quella era un'esperienza di apprendimento inattesa ma reale per tutti noi.

Sopra il corso della spedizione, i partecipanti realmente hanno legato e diventato molto vicini. Allineare siamo diventato una famiglia e definitivamente sig.na il verde del Geoff, il nostro capo di spedizione, svegliante li su ogni mattina sopra il citofono con, “buona mattina, ghiaccio di Ooooon degli allievi!„ Inoltre sig.na wisecracks divertenti del Travis', impressioni pazzesche del Vino e tutta compiacenza aiutare. Il personale di spedizione era incredibilmente di appoggio, molto informato e sempre là rispondere a tutta la domanda ch'avete avuti.

Ma come dicono, tutte le buone cose devono terminare. Ho imparato così tanto su questo viaggio, circa me ed i miei dintorni e specificamente l'interazione delle nostre azioni sull'ambiente. Potere avvertire tale bellezza grezza sta ispirando e realmente marche che pensate a quanto importante è di proteggere il nostro pianeta e di non prenderlo per assegnato. Sono sincero quando dice che desidero intraprendere ancora l'azione più grande nelle mie attività includere le cause ambientali con il mio impegno ad altre edizioni sociali. Credo fortemente che non siano indipendente da a vicenda, ma molto collegato.

Questa spedizione è stata un occhio, anima e l'esperienza di apertura di mente per me ed io se lo ricorderà per il resto della mia vita. Vorrei francamente ringraziare Brita e gli allievi su ghiaccio per permettermi di partecipare ed eventualmente contribuire a questo viaggio notevole ed il chiarimento dell'esperienza.

Come dicono in Inuktitut, la lingua aborigena della regione, “Qujannamiik„ (Koo - Ya - Na - Meek). Fino a Volta seguente!

Mein arktisches Jouney
Automatically translated into German thanks to WorldLingo
Eine was für unglaubliche Erfahrung! Ich kam gerade von einer arktischen wissenschaftlichen Expedition zurück, um über die Leute, den Lebensraum und das Klima unseres großen weißen Nordens zu erlernen. Alles, das ich sagen kann, „überrascht! “

Die Kursteilnehmer auf Expedition des Eises (www.studentsonice.com) bestanden 75 hell, enthusiastischen Kursteilnehmern (und zukünftige Führer, muß ich sagen) und aus 30 Wissenschaftlern um von der Welt. Ich war genug glücklich, einen Filter für gute Bewilligung von Brita (www.filterforgood.ca) zugesprochen zu werden. Filter für gutes ist ein Programm, das entworfen ist, um Kanadier auf den Auswirkungen der abgefüllten Wasservergeudung zu erziehen. Die Leute auf der Mannschaft, die mich auf dieser Expedition begleitete, sind einige der unglaublichsten Leute, die ich Met. habe.

Die arktischen und antarktischen polaren Regionen sind ein Fenster in die Klimazukunft unseres Planeten. In diesen Bereichen können Wissenschaftler Eisblätter studieren und die Zukunft der Klimaänderung auf Masse besser verstehen. Mit Kursteilnehmern auf Eis, besprachen wir nicht nur diese und andere Umweltprobleme, aber arbeiteten auch in Richtung zu den Lösungen, die zukünftigen Erzeugungen ein grünerer, saubererer Planet garantieren. Wir auch arbeiteten mit lokalem Inuit und erlernten, wie die Region kanadische Identität formt.

Das verschiedene Tierleben, das wir antrafen, war so beeindrucken-anspornend und magnetisch, wollten wir ganz sie an der nahen Strecke sehen. Auf einer bestimmten Tierkreisfahrt nachdem wir das Meer für ungefähr 10 Minuten erforscht hatten, beschmutzten wir eine sehr große Gruppe Walruses, die gerade auf einem sehr kleinen Stück Eis sitzen. Während wir langsam in Richtung zu ihnen trieben, beendeten wir schließlich herauf gerade 100 Fuß weg.

Der folgende Höhepunkt war der sogenannte „König der Arktis,“ ein riesiger weißer polarer Bär. Da es die restliche Karkasse einer unglücklichen Dichtung verbrauchte, saß ich gerade dort für eine lange Zeit und bewunderte das majestätische Vorhandensein solch eines erstaunlichen Tieres in seinem natürlichen Lebensraum. Es dämmerte dann auf mir, wie zerbrechliches Leben irgendwie der Art wirklich auf unserem Planeten ist. Nicht viele von uns stellen, daß die Welt um uns nicht ein Platz für uns Menschen gerecht ist, es ist unser NUR Haupt- und fest, das auch Tieren außerdem gehört. Indem wir es zerstörten, setzten wir unsere Leben und die der zukünftigen lebenden Erzeugungen in ernste Gefahr ein. Ich vergleiche es mit der Einstellung des Einerhauses auf Feuer und es langsam aufpassen, unten zu brennen. Der einzige Unterschied ist, daß wir noch im Haus sind und dort nirgendwo zu gehen sonst sind. Wenn das Haus geht, so alle wir.

An einem durchschnittlichen Tag während der Expedition, wurden wir bei 7:30 morgens aufgewacht (und ich müssen zulassen, daß ich nicht ein früher Aufbruch war), frühstückten und anfingen unseren Trek. Die wichtigste über die arktische Zone zu verwirklichen Sache, liegt fast zu auf der Hand: die Kälte. Sogar mitten in Sommer, kann es einfrieren, wenn Sie warm, nicht besonders nachts ankleiden und viele meiner Kollegen bis zum warmen Unterhalt zusammengerollt wurden. Ich liebe die Kälte, also war dieses gerade vollkommenes Wetter für mich.

Außer den Treks, den Vorträgen, den Tierkreisreisen und der Teilnahme an den Leben der Leute der Nordgemeinschaften, was sonst kann eine am kühlen Sommer tun verwittert? Gehen Sie zu schwimmen, selbstverständlich! Ja lasen Sie richtig. Wir gingen zu schwimmen! Ich bin berechtigt stolz, zu sagen, daß ich die zweite Person auf der Expedition war, zum in das kalte Wasser aber in das erste einzusteigen, zum meines gesamten Körpers Unterwasser zu erhalten. Selbstverständlich fror das Wasser ein. Es war so kalt, daß, als ich auftauchte, ich kaum atmen könnte. Nach einer Weile erhielt mein Körper zur Temperatur verwendet und es wurde wirklich eine Menge Spaß. Ich ging in dreimal in Abständen, weil, wenn Sie in zu langem bleiben, Sie Hypothermie wirklich erhalten können. Wir schrieen ganz mit beiden völlig Aufregung und die absoluten Schmerz von der Betäubung in unseren Knochen.

Kulturell wurde ich am meisten mit den Städten und den Gemeinschaften beeindruckt, die wir während der Expedition besuchten. Wir stoppten in einem Dorf, das Kimmirut im östlichen Teil der Nunavut Gegend, Norden von Quebec genannt wurde. Bewohnt durch ungefähr 450 Leute, hat es zwei Nachbarschaftsläden, eine Schule, eine Kindertagesstätte, ein Andenkengeschäft und einige andere Gebäude auf der Hauptstraße der Stadt.

Während wir zurück zu Ufer gingen, sahen wir einen lokalen Jäger mit einer Dichtung, die er sich verfangen hatte und schnitten und teilen das Fleisch mit der gesamten Gemeinschaft. Er erklärte mir, daß dem jedesmal jemand Verriegelungen ein Tier, das gesamte Dorf es teilt, um den Wert der Einheit zu symbolisieren. Der Jäger erklärte, daß es eine althergebrachte Tradition war, die bestand für, solange er sich erinnern könnte. Wenn wir diese Philosophie mit dem Rest der Welt anwenden könnten, könnten wir eine Menge im Augenblick leiden und Unrecht ausrotten. Die war eine unerwartete aber reale Lernenerfahrung für alle uns.

Über dem Kurs der Expedition, banden die Teilnehmer wirklich ab und wurden sehr nah. Wir wurden wirklich eine Familie und ich vermisse Geoff definitiv Grün, unseren Expeditionführer und wecke uns herauf jeden Morgen über der Wechselsprechanlage mit, „guter Morgen, Kursteilnehmer Ooooon Eis!“ auf Ich vermisse Travis auch' lustige wisecracks, verrückte Eindrücke des Vinos und jeder Bereitwilligkeit zu helfen. Der Expeditionpersonal war unglaublich unterstützend sehr kenntnisreich, und, jede mögliche Frage immer dort zu beantworten, die Sie hatten.

Aber, wie sie sagen, müssen alle guten Sachen zu einem Ende kommen. Ich erlernte soviel auf dieser Reise, über mich und meine Umlagerungen und spezifisch die Wechselwirkung unserer Tätigkeiten auf dem Klima. In der Lage sein, solche rohe Schönheit zu erfahren spornt an und wirklich Marken, die Sie denken an, wie wichtig sie, unseren Planeten zu schützen und ihn für bewilligt nicht zu nehmen ist. Ich bin aufrichtig, wenn ich sage, daß ich sogar grössere Maßnahmen in meinen Bemühungen ergreifen möchte, Klimaursachen mit meiner Verpflichtung zu anderen Sozialausgaben einzuschließen. Ich glaube stark, daß sie nicht Unabhängiges von einander sind, aber sehr viel zusammengeschalten.

Diese Expedition ist ein Auge, Seele gewesen, und Sinnesöffnung Erfahrung für mich und mich erinnert sich an es für den Rest meines Lebens. Ich möchte herzlichst Brita und Kursteilnehmern auf Eis für das Ermöglichen ich, zu dieser bemerkenswerten Reise teilzunehmen und hoffnungsvoll beizutragen und das Erleuchten von Erfahrung danken.

Wie sie in Inuktitut sagen, die eingeborene Sprache der Region, „Qujannamiik“ (Koo - Ya - Na - mild). Bis folgendes Mal!

Meu Jouney ártico
Automatically translated into Portuguese thanks to WorldLingo
Que experiência incredible! Eu retornei apenas de uma expedição científica ártica para aprender sobre os povos, o habitat e o ambiente de nosso norte branco grande. Tudo que eu posso dizer “se está espantando! ”

Os estudantes na expedição do gelo (www.studentsonice.com) consistiram em 75 brilhantes, em estudantes entusiásticos (e os líderes futuros, eu devo dizer) e em 30 cientistas em torno do mundo. Eu era afortunado bastante ser concedido um filtro para a concessão boa por Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). O filtro para bom é um programa projetado educar canadenses nos impactos do desperdício bottled da água. Os povos na equipe que me acompanhou nesta expedição são alguns dos povos que os mais incredible eu tenho o met.

As regiões polares árticas e Antarctic são uma janela no futuro ambiental de nosso planeta. Nestas áreas, os cientistas podem estudar folhas do gelo e mais melhor compreender o futuro da mudança do clima na terra. Com os estudantes no gelo, nos nós discutidos não somente estes e outros problemas ambientais, mas trabalhados também para as soluções que garantirão as gerações futuras um planeta mais verde, mais limpo. Nós também trabalhamos com Inuit local e aprendemos como a região está dando forma à identidade canadense.

A vida onde animal diversa nós encontramos era assim awe-inspirando e magnético, nós quisemos toda vê-los na escala próxima. Em um passeio particular do Zodiac, após ter explorado o mar por aproximadamente 10 minutos, nós manchamos um grupo enorme dos walruses que sentam-se apenas em uma parte muito pequena de gelo. Enquanto nós drifted lentamente para eles, nós terminamos eventualmente acima de apenas 100 pés afastado.

O destaque seguinte era o “rei so-called do ártico,” um urso polar branco gigante. Porque consumiu a carcaça restante de um selo infeliz, eu sentei-me apenas lá por muito tempo e admirei-me a presença majestosa de um animal tão surpreendente em seu habitat natural. Dawned então em mim como a vida frágil do tipo está realmente em nosso planeta. Não muitos de nós realizam que o mundo em torno de nós não é justo um lugar para nós seres humanos, ele são nossos SOMENTE home e que pertence também aos animais também. Destruindo o, nós pusemos nossas vidas e aquelas das gerações vivas futuras no perigo grave. Eu comparo-o a ajustar one casa no fogo e lentamente a prestar-lhe atenção queimar-se para baixo. A única diferença é que nós estamos ainda na casa e lá somos em nenhuma parte outra ir. Se a casa for, assim nós todos.

Em um dia médio durante a expedição, nós fomos acordados em 7:30 am (e mim têm que admitir que eu não era um riser adiantado), comemos o pequeno almoço e começamos nosso trek. A coisa a mais importante a realizar sobre a zona ártica é quase demasiado óbvia: o frio. Mesmo no meio do verão, pode congelar-se se você não se vestir calorosamente, especialmente na noite, e muitos de meus colegas estiverem empacotados até o sustento morno. Eu amo o frio, assim que este era apenas tempo perfeito para mim.

Além dos treks, dos lectures, dos desengates do zodiac, e da participação nas vidas dos povos das comunidades do norte, que outro pode uma fazer no verão chilly resiste? Vá nadar, naturalmente! Sim, você leu corretamente. Nós fomos nadar! Eu sou justifiably orgulhoso dizer que eu era a segunda pessoa na expedição a entrar na água frigid mas no primeira para começar meu corpo inteiro subaquático. Naturalmente, a água estava congelando-se. Estava assim frio que quando eu aplainei, eu poderia mal respirar. Após um quando, meu corpo começou usado à temperatura e transformou-se realmente muitos do divertimento. Eu fui em três vezes em intervalos porque se você permanecesse em demasiado longo, você pode realmente começar o hypothermia. Nós gritamos toda com ambos outright o excitamento e a dor downright do numbness em nossos ossos.

Culturally, eu fui imprimido mais com as cidades e as comunidades que nós visitamos durante todo a expedição. Nós paramos em uma vila chamada Kimmirut na parte oriental do território de Nunavut, norte de Quebeque. Habitado por aproximadamente 450 povos, tem duas lojas de conveniência, uma escola, um daycare, uma loja da lembrança e alguns outros edifícios na rua principal da cidade.

Enquanto nós estávamos andando para trás à costa, nós vimos um caçador local com um selo que tinha travado, cortando e compartilhando da carne com a comunidade inteira. Disse-me que isso todas as vezes alguém prendedores um animal, a vila inteira compartilha d para symbolize a importância da unidade. O caçador explicou que era uma tradição long-standing que existisse para contanto que poderia recordar. Se nós poderíamos aplicar essa filosofia com o descanso do mundo, nós poderíamos eradicate muitos de sofrer e de injustices neste momento. Aquela era uma experiência de aprendizagem inesperada mas real para todos nós.

Sobre o curso da expedição, os participants realmente ligaram-se e tornaram-se muito próximos. Nós transformamo-nos verdadeiramente uma família e eu faltarei definitivamente o verde de Geoff, nosso líder da expedição, acordando nos acima de cada manhã sobre o intercom com, “manhã boa, gelo de Ooooon dos estudantes!” Eu faltarei também wisecracks engraçados de Travis', impressões loucas do Vino, e todos voluntariedade ajudar. A equipe de funcionários da expedição era incredibly de suporte, muito knowledgeable e para responder sempre lá a toda a pergunta que você tivesse.

Mas como dizem, todas as coisas boas devem vir a uma extremidade. Eu aprendi tanto neste desengate, sobre myself e meus arredors e especificamente o interplay de nossas ações no ambiente. Poder experimentar tal beleza crua está inspirando e realmente makes que você pensa sobre como importante é proteger nosso planeta e não fazer exame d para concedido. Eu sou sincere ao dizer que eu quero fazer exame mesmo de uma ação mais grande em meus esforços incluir causas ambientais com meu compromisso a outras edições sociais. Eu acredito fortemente que não são independent de se, mas interconectado muito muito.

Esta expedição foi um olho, alma, e a experiência da abertura da mente para mim e mim recordá-lo-á para o descanso de minha vida. Eu gostaria sincerely de agradecer Brita e estudantes no gelo para permitir-me de participar e contribuir esperançosamente a esta viagem notável e enlightening a experiência.

Como dizem em Inuktitut, a língua Aboriginal da região, “Qujannamiik” (Koo - Ya - Na - Meek). Até Vez seguinte!

Min arktiska Jouney
Automatically translated into Swedish thanks to WorldLingo
Ett vilket oerhört erfar! I som gås tillbaka precis från en arktisk vetenskaplig expedition för att lära om folket, livsmiljöen och miljön av vår stora vitnord. Alla som jag cannågot att säga ”förbluffar! ”

Bestod deltagarna på expedition för is (www.studentsonice.com) av 75 som var ljusa, entusiastiska deltagare (och framtida ledare, måste jag något att säga) och 30 forskare från runt om världen. Jag var gynnsam nog att tilldelas en filtrera för godalån av Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). Filtrera för goda är ett program som planläggs för att utbilda kanadensare på, får effekt av buteljerat bevattnar förloradt. Folket på laget, som medföljde mig på denna expedition, är några av det mest oerhörda folket som jag har met.

Arktisken och de Antarctic polara regionerna är ett fönster in i den miljö- framtiden av vårt planet. I dessa områden can forskare studieis täcker, och bättre förstå framtiden av klimatförändring på jord. Med deltagare på is, oss som diskuteras inte endast dessa och andra miljö- problem, men fungeras också in mot lösningar som ska framtida utvecklingar för garanti ett mer grön mer ren planet. Vi fungerade också med lokalinuiten och lärt hur regionen formar kanadensisk identitet.

Det olika djurlivet som vi mötte, var, så awe-inspirera och magnetiskt, önskade vi all att se dem på slutet spänna. På en särskild Zodiacritt når undersökning av havet för omkring 10, noterar, oss som är prickiga en enorm grupp av walruses som rättvist sammanträde på ett mycket litet lappar av is. Som vi drev långsamt in mot dem, avslutade vi slutligen upp rättvis 100 fot bort.

Den nästa viktign var den so-called ”konungen av arktisken,” en polar björn för jätte- vit. Försegla, som det konsumerade det resterande kadavret av en olycksfågel, satt beundrade I precis där på länge och den majestätiska närvaroen av ett sådan fantastiskt djur i dess naturliga livsmiljö. Det grydde därefter på mig hur bräckligt liv av någon sort är egentligen på vårt planet. Inte många av oss realiserar, att världen runt om oss inte är rättvis en förlägga för oss människor, det är vår ENDAST hem och som hör hemma också till djur som väl. Genom att förstöra det, satte vi våra liv och de av framtida bosatt utvecklingar i allvarlig fara. Jag jämför det till inställning av ens hus avfyrar på, och långsamt hålla ögonen på det att bränna besegra. Den enda skillnaden är, att vi är stilla i huset och där är ingenstans annars som går. Om huset går, alla så vi.

På en genomsnittlig dag under expeditionen vaknades hade började vi upp på den 7:30 förmiddagen (och mig måste att medge mig inte var en tidig sortriser), frukosten och vår trek. Den mest viktig sak som ska realiseras om arktisken, zonplanerar är nästan för tydlig: förkylningen. Även i en mitt av sommaren, kan det frysa, om du inte klär varmt, speciellt på natten, och många av min kollegor var den varma buntade upp till uppehället. Jag älskar förkylningen, så denna var görar perfekt precis väder för mig.

Förutom treksna föreläser, zodiacen, och snubblar deltagande i liven av folket av de nordliga gemenskaperna, vad annat kan en göra i den kyliga sommaren rider ut? Gå att simma, naturligtvis! Ja läste du korrekt. Vi gick att simma! Förmiddag som I är stolt till något att säga, att jag var understödjapersonen på expeditionen som går in i det frigitt, bevattnar justifiably bara första för att få mitt helt förkroppsligar undervattens-. Naturligtvis fryste bevattna. Det var så kallt att, då jag ytbehandlade, jag kunde knappt andas. Efter en stund som är min förkroppsliga fånget van vid temperaturen, och det blev faktiskt ett raddagyckel. Jag gick i tre tider på mellanrum därför att, om du staget i för långt, dig kan faktiskt få hypothermia. Vi skrek all med både fullständig spänning och smärtar riktigt från numbnessen i våra ben.

Culturally var jag mest imponerad med townsna och gemenskaperna som vi besökte alltigenom expeditionen. Vi stoppade i en by som kallades Kimmirut i den östliga delen av det Nunavut territoriet, nord av Quebec. Bebott av omkring 450 bemanna, har det två servicebutiker, en skola, en daycare, shoppar en souvenir och några andra byggnader på town'sens huvudsakliga gata.

Som vi gick tillbaka till kusten, sågar vi en lokaljägare med en försegla som han hade fångat och bita och dela meaten med den hela gemenskapen. Han berättade mig att att varje tid någon fångar ett djur, den hela byn, delar det för att symbolisera betydelsen av enhet. Jägaren förklarade att det var en long-standing tradition som fanns för, så länge som han kunde minnas. Om vi kunde applicera den filosofi med vila av världen, kunde vi utrota raddalida och orättvisar på ögonblicket. Det var ett oväntat, men verkligt lära erfar för allihop.

Över jaga av expeditionen blev de egentligen obligations- deltagarna och mycket nära. Vi blev riktigt en familj, och jag ska bestämt gräsplan för missen Geoff, vår expeditionledare som vaknar oss upp varje morgon över intercomen med, ”den bra morgonen, deltagareOoooon is!”, Jag ska också roliga wisecracks för missen Travis', vinos galna intryck och alla villigheten för att hjälpa. Expeditionen bemannar var incredibly understöd, mycket kunnigt, och alltid där att svara några ifrågasätta dig hade.

Men som måste de något att säga, all bra saker komma till en avsluta. Lärd I så mycket på detta snubblar, om jag själv och min omgivning och specifikt samspelet av våra handlingar på miljön. Att vara kompetent att erfara sådan rå skönhet inspirerar och egentligen makes dig funderare om hur viktigt den är att skydda vårt planet och att inte ta det för beviljat. Ärlig förmiddag I, när ordstävet, att jag önskar att ta även mer stor handling i min strävan att inkludera miljö-, orsakar med min förpliktelse till annat samkväm, utfärdar. Jag tror starkt dem är inte vilden av varje annan, men mycket interconnected.

Denna expedition har varit en syna, soul och varar besvärad öppning erfar för mig, och jag ska minns den för vila av mitt liv. Jag skulle uppriktigt något liknande för att tacka Brita, och deltagare på is för att möjliggöra mig för att delta och hopefully bidra till denna anmärkningsvärda resa och enlightening erfar.

Som dem något att säga i Inuktitut, det Aboriginal språket av regionen, ”Qujannamiik” (Koo - Ya - ödmjuk Na -). Till nästa Time!

Мое ледовитое Jouney
Automatically translated into Russian thanks to WorldLingo
Что неимоверный опыт! Я как раз возвратил от ледовитой научной экспедиции для того чтобы выучить о людях, habitat и окружающей среде нашего большого белого севера. Все, котор я могу сказать «изумляет! »

Студенты на экспедиции льда (www.studentsonice.com) consist of 75 яркое, восторженные студенты (и будущие руководители, я должен сказать) и 30 научных работников from around the world. Я был удачен достаточно быть награженным фильтр для хорошего дара Brita (www.filterforgood.ca). Фильтр для хорошего будет программой конструированной для того чтобы дать образование чанадецам на ударах разлитого по бутылкам отхода воды. Люди на команде сопроводила меня на этой экспедиции некоторые из самых неимоверных людей, котор я имею cMet.

Ледовитыми и приантарктическими приполюсными зонами будут окно в относящое к окружающей среде будущее нашей планеты. В этих OBLASTях, научные работники могут изучить листы льда и более лучше понять будущее изменения климата на земле. С студентами на льде, мы not only обсудили эти и другие проблемы окружающей среды, но также работать к разрешениям которые гарантируют будущие поколения более зеленая, более чистая планета. Мы также работали с местным Inuit и учили как зона формирует канадскую тождественность.

Разнообразная животная жизнь, котор мы столкнулись была так awe-воодушевляющ и магнитно, мы совсем хотели увидеть их на близкое растояние. На одной определенной езде зодиака, после исследовать море на около 10 MINUT, мы запятнали огромную группу в составе walruses как раз сидя на очень малой части льда. По мере того как мы медленно перемещались к им, мы окончательн закончились вверх по как раз 100 футам прочь.

Следующим highlight был so-called «король арктики,» гигантский белый полярный медведь. По мере того как оно уничтожило остальную тушу несчастливого уплотнения, я как раз сидел там for a long time и восшхитил величественное присутсвие такого amazing животного в своем естественном habitat. Оно после этого рассвет на мне как утлая жизнь нисколько вида реально находится на нашей планете. Не много из нас осуществляют что мир вокруг нас не справедлив место для нас люди, оно наши ТОЛЬКО домашними и одним которое также принадлежит к животным также. Путем разрушать его, мы положили наши жизни и то из будущих living поколений в тягчайшую опасность. Я сравниваю его к устанавливать one 's дом на пожаре и медленно наблюдать, как она сгорело вниз. Единственная разница что мы находимся все еще в доме и там nowhere друг для того чтобы пойти. Если дом идет, то так делаем мы все.

На средний день во время экспедиции, мы были wake up на 7:30 am (и мне впустить я не было предыдущей рослостью), имели завтрак и начинали наш trek. Самая важная вещь, котор нужно осуществить о арктической зоне почти слишком очевидна: холод. Даже in the middle of лето, оно может замерзнуть если вы не одеваете тепло, специально на ноче, и много из моих коллегаов были bundled до содержания теплого. Я люблю холод, поэтому это была как раз совершенная погода для меня.

Кроме treks, лекций, отключений зодиака, и участия в жизнях людей северных общин, что еще консервирует одно делает в зябкой погоде лета? Пойдите поплавать, of course! Да, вы прочитали правильно. Мы пошли поплавать! Я закономерно самолюбив сказать что я был второй персоной на экспедиции, котор нужно пойти в frigid воду но первое для того чтобы получить мое все тело подводно. Of course, вода замерзала. Оно было настолько холодно что когда я отделал поверхность, я смог чуть-чуть вздохнуть. Через некоторое время, мое тело получило используемым к температуре и фактическ стало множеством потехи. Я пошел в 3 времена на интервалах потому что если вы остаетесь внутри слишком длинними, то вы можете фактическ получить гипотермию. Мы совсем screamed с обоими outright ободрение и downright боль от цепенения в наших косточках.

Культурно, я больше всего был впечатлен с городками и общинами, котор мы навестили в течении экспедиции. Мы остановили в вызванном селе Kimmirut в восточной части территории Nunavut, севере Квебека. Мне обитало в около 450 людьми, оно имеет 2 магазина удобства, одну школу, один daycare, один магазин сувенира и немного других зданий на улице городка GLAVNой.

По мере того как мы гуляли back to берег, мы увидели местный охотник с уплотнением, котор он уловил, режущ и мясо с всей общиной. Он сказал мне тому every time кто-то задвижки животное, все село делит его для того чтобы символизировать важность всеединства. Охотник объяснил что было многолетней традицией существовал для покуда он смог вспомнить. Если мы смогли приложить то общее соображение с rest of the world, то мы смогли искоренить множество терпеть и несправедливостей в настоящее время. То был непредвиденный но реальный учебный опыт для all of us.

Над курсом экспедиции, участники реально скрепили и стали очень близкими. Мы поистине стали семьей и я определенно пропущу зеленый цвет Geoff, наш руководителя экспедиции, просыпая мы вверх по каждому утру над внутренной связью с, «хорошее утро, лед Ooooon студентов!» Я также пропущу wisecracks Трэвис' funny, впечатления Vino шальные, и каждое готовность помочь. Штат экспедиции был неимоверно supportive, очень knowledgeable и всегда там ответить любой вопрос, котор вы имели.

Но по мере того как они говорят, все хорошие вещи должны прийти к концу. Я выучил so much на этом отключении, о себе и моих surroundings и специфически interplay наших действий на окружающей среде. Мочь испытать такую сырцовую красотку воодушевляет и реально модели, котор вы думаете о как важно они должен защитить нашу планету и не принять ее для после того как я дарены. Я задушевен говоря что я хочу принять даже большое действие в моей работе включить относящие к окружающей среде причины с моим принятием окончательного решения к другим социальным вопросам. Я сильно верю они не независимо себя, но very much после того как я соединено.

Этой экспедицией был глаз, душа, и опыт отверстия разума для меня и меня вспомнит его для остальноев моей жизни. Я задушевно хотел был бы возблагодарить Brita и студентов на льде для позволять я участвовать и hopefully способствовать к этому замечательному путешествию и просвещать опыт.

По мере того как они говорят в Inuktitut, аборигенный язык зоны, «Qujannamiik» (Koo - Ya - Na - безответный). До следующего времени!

Mijn NoordpoolJouney
Automatically translated into Dutch thanks to WorldLingo
Een welke ongelooflijke ervaring! Ik keerde enkel van een Noordpool wetenschappelijke expeditie over de mensen, de habitat en het milieu van het ons Groot Wit Noorden terug te leren. Alle kan ik zeggen „verbazend is! De“

studenten de expeditie bij van het Ijs (www.studentsonice.com) bestonden uit 75 heldere, enthousiaste studenten (en toekomstige leiders, moet ik zeggen) en 30 wetenschappers van rond de wereld. Ik was gelukkig genoeg om een Filter voor Goede toelage door Brita (www.filterforgood.ca) worden toegekend. De filter voor Goed is een programma dat wordt opgesteld om Canadezen op de effecten van gebotteld waterafval op te leiden. De mensen op het team dat me bij de deze expeditie begeleidde zijn een aantal van de meest ongelooflijke mensen ik met. heb.

De noordpool en Antarctische Polaire Gebieden zijn een venster in de milieutoekomst van onze planeet. Op deze gebieden, kunnen de wetenschappers ijsbladen bestuderen en beter de toekomst van klimaatverandering ter wereld Begrijpen. Met Studenten op Ijs, bespraken wij niet alleen deze en andere milieuproblemen, maar ook ijverden voor oplossingen die toekomstige generaties een groenere, schonere planeet zullen waarborgen. Wij werkten ook met lokale Inuit en leerden hoe het gebied Canadese eigenheid gestalte geeft.

Het diverse dierlijke leven dat wij was zo ontzagwekkend en magnetisch, wij allen gewild hen bij dichte waaier zien hebben ontmoet. Voor één bijzondere Zodiac rit, na het onderzoeken van het overzees ongeveer 10 minuten, bevlekten wij een reusachtige groep die walruses enkel op een zeer klein stuk van ijs zit. Aangezien wij langzaam naar hen afdreven, weg beëindigden wij enkel omhoog uiteindelijk 100 voet.

Het volgende hoogtepunt was de zogenaamde „Koning van het Noordpoolgebied,“ een reuze witte ijsbeer. Aangezien het het resterende karkas van een ongelukkige verbinding verbruikte, zat ik lange tijd en enkel bewonderde daar de majestic aanwezigheid van zulk een verbazende dier in zijn natuurlijke habitat. Het daagde toen op me hoe het breekbare leven van om het even welke soort werkelijk op onze planeet is. Niet realiseren velen van ons dat de wereld rond ons niet alleen een plaats voor ons mensen is, is het ons ENIG huis en één die ook eveneens tot dieren behoort. Door het te vernietigen, zetten wij ons leven en die van toekomstige het leven generaties in ernstig gevaar. Ik vergelijk het bij het plaatsen van zijn huis op brand en neer langzaam het letten van op het brandwond. Het enige verschil is dat wij nog in het huis zijn en er nergens anders om zijn te gaan. Als het huis gaat, dat wij allen.

Op een gemiddelde dag tijdens de expeditie, werden wij gewekt in 7:30 am (en ik moet toelaten ik geen vroeg stootbord) was, hadden ontbijt en begonnen met onze trek. Het belangrijkste ding over de Noordpoolstreek te realiseren is bijna duidelijk te: de koude. Zelfs in het midden van de zomer, kan het bevriezen als u zich niet warm, vooral bij nacht kleedt, en veel van mijn collega's om werden samengebundeld warm te houden. Ik houd van de koude, zodat was dit enkel perfect weer voor me.

Naast treks, de lezingen, de zodiac reizen, en de participatie in het leven van de inwoners van de noordelijke gemeenschappen, wat kan anders men in de koele zomer doorstaan doen? Ga zwemmend, natuurlijk! Ja, correct leest u. Wij gingen zwemmend! Ik ben verantwoord trots om te zeggen dat ik de tweede persoon op de expeditie in het frigid water maar de eerste was gaan mijn volledig lichaam onderwater krijgen. Natuurlijk, bevroor het water. Het was zo koud dat toen ik opdook, ik nauwelijks kon ademen. Na een tijdje, went mijn lichaam aan de temperatuur en het eigenlijk werd heel wat pret. Ik ging in drie keer met intervallen omdat als u in te lang blijft, u hypothermie kunt eigenlijk worden. Wij allen gilden met beide openlijke opwinding en volkomen pijn van de verdoofdheid in onze beenderen.

Cultureel, was ik het meest geïmponeerd met de steden en de gemeenschappen die wij door de expeditie hebben bezocht. Wij hielden in een dorp genoemd op Kimmirut in het oostelijke deel van Nunavut Grondgebied, het noorden van Quebec. Gewoond in door ongeveer 450 mensen, heeft het twee gemakopslag, één school, één opvang, één herinneringswinkel en een paar andere gebouwen op de belangrijkste straat van de stad.

Aangezien wij terug naar kust liepen, zagen wij een lokale jager met een verbinding die hij, snijdend en delend het vlees met de volledige gemeenschap had gevangen. Hij vertelde me dat telkens als iemand een dier vangt, het volledige dorp het deelt om het belang van eenheid te symboliseren. De jager verklaarde dat het een al lang bestaande traditie was die bestond zolang hij zich kon herinneren. Als wij die filosofie met de rest van de wereld konden toepassen, konden wij heel wat het lijden en onrechtvaardigheden op het ogenblik uitroeien. Dat was een onverwachte maar echte het leren ervaring voor wij allemaal.

Over de cursus van de expeditie, plakten de deelnemers werkelijk en werden zeer dicht. Wij echt werden een familie en ik zal absoluut Geoff Green, onze expeditieleider missen, die ons wekt elke ochtend over de intercom met, „Goede Ochtend, het Ijs van Ooooon van Studenten!“ Ik zal' grappige wisecracks ook Travis, de gekke indrukken van Vino, en de bereidheid van iedereen missen te helpen. Het expeditiepersoneel was steunend, ongelooflijk zeer goed geïnformeerd en altijd om om het even welke vraag daar te beantwoorden u had.

Maar zoals zij zeggen, moeten alle goede dingen eindigen. Ik leerde zo veel op deze reis, over mij en mijn omgeving en specifiek interactie van onze acties betreffende het milieu. Kunnen dergelijke ruwe schoonheid ervaren is inspirerend en maakt u werkelijk over hoe denken belangrijk het onze planeet moet beschermen en het niet nemen voor verleend. Ik ben oprecht wanneer het zeggen dat ik nog grotere actie in mijn inspanningen wil voeren om milieuoorzaken met mijn verplichting aan andere sociale kwesties te omvatten. Ik geloof sterk zij niet onafhankelijk van elkaar zijn, maar zeer onderling verbonden.

Deze expeditie is een oog, ziel, geweest en gelet op openings ervaring voor me en ik zal het voor de rest van mijn leven herinneren. Ik zou oprecht Brita en Studenten op Ijs voor het toelaten van me om hopelijk tot deze opmerkelijke reis deel te nemen en bij te dragen en het informeren van ervaring willen danken.

Zoals zij in Inuktitut zeggen, de Inheemse taal van het gebied, „Qujannamiik“ (Koo - Ya - Meek Na -). Tot Volgende Time!

[جووني] ي [أركتيك]
Automatically translated into Arabic thanks to WorldLingo
ما خبرة غيرمعقول! أنا فقط رجعت من بعد [أركتيك] علميّة أن يعلم حول الالناس, موطن وبيئة من شمالنا عظيمة بيضاء. يذهل كلّ أنا يستطيع قلت "! "

تألّف الطالبات على جليد (www.studentsonice.com) بعث 75 ساطعة, طالبات متحمّسة (وزعيمات مقبلة, أنا ينبغي قلت) و30 عالمات [فروم رووند ث وورلد]. أنا كنت محظوظة بكفاية أن يكون منحت مرشح لمنحة جيّدة ب [بريتا] (www.filterforgood.ca). مرشح لجيّدة برنامج يصمّم أن يربّي كنديات على التأثير صدمة من يعبّأ ماء نفاية. الالناس على الفريق أنّ رافقني على هذا بعث بعض من الالناس غيرمعقول أكثر أنا أتلقّى [مت.].

ال [أركتيك] ومناطق قطبيّة قطبيّة نافذة داخل المستقبل بيجيّة من كوكبنا. في هذا مناطق, عالمات يستطيع درست جليد صفاح وعلى نحو أفضل فهمت المستقبل من مناخ تغير على أرض. مع طالبات على جليد, تناقش نحن ليس فحسب هذا وأخرى [إنفيرونمنتل بروبلم], غير أنّ أيضا عمل نحو حلول أنّ سيضمن أجيال مقبلة خضراء, كوكب نظيفة. نحن أيضا عملنا مع [إينويت] محلّية وعلم كيف المنطقة يكون يشكّل هوية كنديّة.

كان الحياة متنوّعة حيوانيّة نحن واجهنا هكذا [أو-ينسبيرينغ] ومغنطيسيّة, نحن جميعا أردنا أن يرىهم في مدى قريبة. على واحدة خاصّة دائرة الأبراج عمليّة ركوب, بعد يستكشف البحث ل حوالي 10 دقائق, [سبوتّد] نحن مجموعة ضخمة [ولروسس] فقط يجلس على قطعة صغيرة جليد جدّا. بما أنّ نحن ببطء انجرفنا نحو هم, أنهى نحن أخيرا فوق فقط 100 أقدام بعيدا.

كان الحدث هامّ تالية الما يسمّى "ملك من الالأقطار القطبيّة الشماليّة," دب عملاقة بيضاء قطبيّة. بما أنّ هو استهلك الهيكل متبقّي من ختم صوف تعيسة, جلس أنا فقط هناك [فور ا لونغ تيم] وأعجب الوجود فخمة من هذا حيوان مدهشة في موطنه طبيعيّة. هو بعد ذلك انبلج على ي كيف حياة هشّة من أيّ نوع حقّا يكون على كوكبنا. لا يحقّق كثير من نا أنّ العالم حول نا ليس صحيحة مكان ل نا أناس, هو نا فقط بيتيّ وواحدة أنّ أيضا ينتسب إلى حيوانات أيضا. ب يدمّر هو, وضع نحن حيواتنا وأنّ من أجيال مقبلة حيّة في خطر خطيرة. أنا أقارن هو إلى يثبت منزل [أن 'س] على نار وببطء يراقب هو أحرقت إلى أسفل. الفرق وحيد أنّ نحن بعد في المنزل وهناك إلى لا مكان أخرى أن يذهب. إن المنزل يذهب, هكذا يتمّ نحن كلّ.

على يوم معدّلة أثناء البعث, أفقت نحن كان في 7:30 قبل الظّهر (وأنا يضطرّ اعترفت أنا [ب] لم ماسورة صاعدة مبكّرة), تلقّى وجبة فطور وبدأ رحلت شاقةنا. الشيء مهمّة أكثر أن يحقّق حول المنطقة [أركتيك] تقريبا أيضا واضحة: البرن. حتّى [إين ث ميدّل وف] فصل صيف, هو يستطيع جمّدت إن أنت لا ترتدي [ورملي], خصوصا في ليلة, وكثير من زميلاتي كان حزمت حتّى كتيف دعم دافئة. أنا أحبّ البرد, لذلك كان هذا فقط طقس كاملة ل ي.

فضلا عن الرحلة شاقة, المحاضرات, الدائرة الأبراج رحلات, والمشاركة في الحيوات من الالناس من الجماعات شماليّة, [وهت لس] يستطيع واحدة أتمّت في الفصل صيف باردة جوّيت? ذهبت سابح, [أف كورس]! نعم, قرأ أنت بشكل صحيح. نحن ذهبنا سابح! أنا على حقّ فخورة أن يقول أنّ كان أنا الثاني شخص على البعد أن يذهب داخل الماء باردة غير أنّ الأولى أن يحصل جسمي كاملة تحت مائيّ. [أف كورس], جمّد الماء كان. هو كان هكذا باردة أنّ عندما سطّح أنا, أنا استطاع بشقّ النّفس تنفّست. بعد فترة, حصل جسمي يستعمل إلى الدرجة حرارة وهو واقعيّا أصبح [ا لوت] الحالة لهو. أنا ذهبت في ثلاثة أوقات في فاصلات لأنّ إن أنت تبقى في أيضا طويلة, أنت يستطيع واقعيّا حصلت انخفاض حرارة. نحن جميعا صرخنا مع كلا فورا إثارة وألم صرف من ال [نومبنسّ] في [بونس] نا.

ثقافيّا, استهويت أنا كان أكثر مع المدائن وجماعات نحن زرنا طوال البعد. نحن توقّفنا في قرية يدعى [كيمّيروت] في الجزء شرقيّة من [نونفوت] أرض, شمال كيباك. يسكن ب حوالي 450 الناس, يتلقّى هو اثنان ملاءمة مخازن, واحدة مدرسة, واحدة روضة أطفال, واحدة تذكار متجر و [ا فو] أخرى بنايات على المدينة شارع رئيسيّة.

بما أنّ نحن كان مشينا [بك تو] شاطئ, رأى نحن صياد محلّية مع ختم صوف هو كان قد مسك, يقطع ويشارك اللحظ مع الجماعة كاملة. هو قالني أنّ [إفري تيم] يشارك أحد ما مزاليج حيوان, القرية كاملة هو أن يرمز الأهمية الوحدة. فسّر الصياد أنّ هو كان تقليد قديم العهد أنّ تواجد ل [أس لونغ س] هو استطاع تذكّرت. إن نحن استطاع طبّقت أنّ فلسفة مع ال [رست وف ث وورلد], نحن استطاع استأصلت [ا لوت] من يعاني وظلم [أت ث مومنت]. أنّ كان غير متوقّع غير أنّ [لرن إكسبرينس] حقيقيّة ل كلّ من نا.

على المسلك من البعد, ربط المشتركات حقّا وأصبح جدّا قريبة. نحن حقّا أصبحنا أسرة وسيفتقد أنا بالتّأكيد [جوفّ] اللون الأخضر, نا بعد زعيمة, يصحونا فوق كلّ صباح على الاتّصال داخليّ مع, "صباح جيّدة, طالبات [أوووون] جليد!" أنا أيضا سأفتقد [ترفيس]' [ويسكركس] مضحكة, [فينو] إنطباعات مجنونة, و [إفرون'س] استعداد أن يساعد. البعد كان ملاكة بشكل لا يصدّق داعمة, جدّا حسن اطّلاع ودائما هناك أن يجيب أيّ سؤال أنت تلقّيت.

غير أنّ بما أنّ هم يقولون, كلّ أشياء جيّدة ينبغي أتيت إلى نهاية. أنا علمت كثيرا على هذا رحلة, حول بنفسي ومحيطاتي وخصوصا التفاعل من أعمالنا على البيئة. يلهم يكون يمكن أن يختبر هذا جمال خام وحقّا صنع أنت تفكّر حول كيف مهمّة هو يكون أن يحمي كوكبنا ولا أخذت هو ل يمنح. أنا يصدق عندما يقول أنّ يريد أنا أن يأخذ حتّى عمل عظيمة في جهودي أن يتضمّن أسباب بيجيّة مع تعهدي إلى أخرى إصدارات اجتماعيّة. أنا بقوّة أصدق ليس هم عضو مستقلّ من بعضهم بعضا, غير أنّ [فري موش] يرابط.

قد كان هذا بعد عين, روح, وعقل فتحة خبرة ل ي وأنا سيتذكّر هو للإستراحة من حياتي. أنا بإخلاص أحبّت أن يشكر [بريتا] وطالبات على جليد ل يمكّنني أن يساهم وبكل أمل أسهمت إلى هذا سفر ملحوظة وينير خبرة.

بما أنّ هم يقولون في [إينوكتيتثت], اللغة أروميّة من المنطقة, "[قوجنّمييك]" ([كوو] - [يا] - [نا] - حليمة). حتّى وقت تالية!

International Volunteer Week is taking place April 19 – 25, 2009, and to celebrate the occasion, Bilaal is spearheading his own initiative where he will live life without shoes for the entire week. As they say, “You never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes,” so Bilaal’s taking it a step further: he’s going barefoot.

He is asking fellow students, teachers and the general public to do the same, or as long as they can, to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world – many of whom cannot afford shoes, let alone attend school or even know where their next meal is coming from.

Children in these countries walk miles in their bare feet every day to fetch water, work on their farm lands, go to school, or perform other chores. For many of them, the first priority is to take care of their families. This is true especially for girls, who are less likely to attend school or are the first ones taken out if they did.




Bilaal is also featured in an independent documentary, “Yes We Can!”, that will debut at the Sprockets Film Festival in Toronto on April 19, 2009. He is also featured on the CBC series “Breakout” on April 20 and 21, 2009 at the festival. It focuses on Bilaal and his activism, and he’ll be attending the festival in his bare feet to say a few words! Bilaal will also attend the 2009 Ontario Volunteerism Awards bare feet by invitation from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, the Honourable Michael Chan.

Bilaal is urging everyone to spend just one hour bare feet any day during International Volunteer Week. Even better, people can spend a half or even a full day bare feet at work, at school or at home. What are you prepared to do to make the world a better place?

Go bare feet with Bilaal and make change – one step at a time.

Mon engagement volontaire de semaine - allez nu-pieds !
Automatically translated into French thanks to WorldLingo
la semaine volontaire de ternational est le 19 au 25 avril 2009 ayant lieu, et pour célébrer l'occasion, Bilaal spearheading sa propre initiative où il vivra la vie sans chaussures pour la semaine entière. Comme ils disent, « vous savez jamais vraiment quelqu'un jusqu'à ce que vous promenade par mille dans des leurs chaussures, » ainsi Bilaal lui prenant une mesure plus loin : il va nu-pieds.

Il demande à des étudiants de camarade, à des professeurs et au grand public de faire la même chose, ou tant que elles peuvent, de comprendre mieux les luttes faites face par les enfants sous-privilégiés dans le monde en voie de développement - beaucoup de qui ne peut pas avoir les moyens des chaussures, encore moins pour aller à l'école ou même pour savoir d'où leur prochain repas vient.

Les enfants en ces milles de promenade de pays en leurs pieds nus journaliers pour chercher l'eau, travail sur leurs terres de ferme, vont à l'école, ou effectuent d'autres corvées. Pour bon nombre d'entre elles, la première priorité est de prendre soin de leurs familles. Cela vaut particulièrement pour les filles, qui sont moins pour aller à l'école ou sont premières sorties s'ils.




Bilaal est également décrit dans un documentaire indépendant, « oui nous peut !  », cela début de volonté aux pignons filment le festival à Toronto le 19 avril 2009. Il est également décrit sur la série de CBC « évasion » les 20 et 21 avril 2009 au festival. Il se concentre sur Bilaal et son activisme, et il assistera au festival en ses pieds nus pour dire quelques mots ! Bilaal s'occupera également des pieds 2009 nus de récompenses de volontarisme d'Ontario par l'invitation du ministre de la citoyenneté et de l'immigration, Michael honorable Chan.

Bilaal invite chacun à dépenser les pieds nus de juste une heure n'importe quel jour pendant la semaine volontaire internationale. Encore meilleur, les gens peuvent dépenser une moitié ou même d'un plein des pieds nus jour au travail, à l'école ou à la maison. Quelle êtes-vous a préparé pour faire pour faire au monde un meilleur endroit ?

Disparaissent les pieds nus avec Bilaal et font le changement - une étape à la fois.

¡Mi comisión voluntaria de la semana - vaya descalzo!
Automatically translated into Spanish thanks to WorldLingo
la semana voluntaria del ternational es del 19 al 25 de abril de 2009 que ocurre, y celebrar la ocasión, Bilaal spearheading su propia iniciativa donde él vivirá vida sin los zapatos para la semana entera. Como dicen, “usted nunca realmente sabe a alguien hasta que usted caminata a la milla en sus zapatos,” tan Bilaal que le toma una medida más lejos: él va descalzo.

Él está pidiendo que los estudiantes del compañero, los profesores y el público en general hicieran igual, o mientras puedan, entendieran mejor las luchas hechas frente por los niños desvalidos en el mundo que se convierte - muchos de quién no puede permitirse los zapatos, aún menos para atender a la escuela o aún para saber de adónde su comida siguiente está viniendo.

Los niños en estas millas de la caminata de los países en sus pies pelados diarios para traer el agua, trabajo sobre sus tierras de granja, van a la escuela, o realizan otras tareas. Para muchos de ellos, la primera prioridad es tomar el cuidado de sus familias. Esto es verdad especialmente para las muchachas, que son menos probables atender a la escuela o son primeras tomadas hacia fuera si lo hicieron.




¡Bilaal también se ofrece en un documentary independiente, “nosotros puede sí! ”, eso principio de la voluntad en los piñones filma festival en Toronto el 19 de abril de 2009. También lo ofrecen en la serie “desglose” de CBC los días 20 y 21 de abril de 2009 en el festival. ¡Se centra en Bilaal y su activismo, y él atenderá al festival en sus pies pelados para decir algunas palabras! Bilaal también atenderá a los pies pelados 2009 de las concesiones de Ontario Volunteerism por la invitación del ministro de la ciudadanía y de la inmigración, Michael honorable Chan.

Bilaal está impulsando cada uno pasar pies pelados de apenas una hora cualquier día durante semana voluntaria internacional. Incluso mejor, la gente puede pasar una mitad o aún pies pelados de un día completo en el trabajo, en la escuela o en el país. ¿Cuáles son usted se prepararon para hacer para hacer el mundo un lugar mejor?

Van los pies pelados con Bilaal y realizan el cambio - un paso a la vez.

Il mio impegno volontario di settimana - vada a piedi nudi!
Automatically translated into Italian thanks to WorldLingo
la settimana volontaria di ternational è dal 19 al 25 aprile 2009 avvenente e celebrare l'occasione, Bilaal spearheading la sua propria iniziativa dove vivrà vita senza pattini per l'intera settimana. Come dicono, “mai realmente conoscete qualcuno fino a che voi camminata un il miglio in loro pattini,„ così Bilaal gli che prende una misura più ulteriormente: sta andando a piedi nudi.

Sta chiedendo agli allievi del collega, agli insegnanti ed al grande pubblico di fare lo stesso, o finchè possono, di capire più meglio le lotte affrontate dai bambini non privilegiati nel mondo di sviluppo - molti di chi non può permettersi i pattini, e tanto meno per assistere alla scuola o persino sapere da dove il loro pasto seguente sta venendo.

I bambini in queste miglia della camminata dei paesi nei loro piedi nudi giornalieri per prendere l'acqua, lavoro sulle loro terre dell'azienda agricola, vanno alla scuola, o realizzano altri chores. Per molte di loro, la prima priorità è di prendere la cura delle loro famiglie. Ciò è allineare particolarmente per le ragazze, che sono meno probabili assistere alla scuola o sono quelle prime eliminate se.




Bilaal inoltre è descritto in un documentary indipendente, “sì noi può! „, quello debutto di volontà alle ruote dentate filma il festival a Toronto il 19 aprile 2009. Inoltre è descritto sulla serie “Breakout„ di CBC il 20 e il 21 aprile 2009 al festival. Mette a fuoco su Bilaal e sul suo activism ed assisterà al festival nei suoi piedi nudi per dire alcune parole! Bilaal inoltre assisterà ai piedi nudi 2009 dei premi di Ontario Volunteerism dall'invito dal ministro della cittadinanza e dell'immigrazione, il Michael onorato Chan.

Bilaal sta invitando tutto a spendere i piedi nudi da appena un'ora tutto il giorno durante la settimana volontaria internazionale. Ancora migliore, la gente può spendere una metà o persino i piedi nudi di giorno completo sul lavoro, alla scuola o nel paese. Che cosa sono voi si sono preparati per fare per rendere al mondo un posto migliore?

Vanno i piedi nudi con Bilaal e fanno il cambiamento - un punto alla volta.

Meine freiwillige Woche Verpflichtung - gehen Sie barfuß!
Automatically translated into German thanks to WorldLingo
ternational freiwillige Woche ist stattfindenes 19. bis 25. April 2009, und die Gelegenheit zu feiern, spearheading Bilaal seine eigene Initiative, in der er Leben ohne Schuhe für die gesamte Woche lebt. Wie sie sagen, „Sie wissen nie wirklich jemand, bis Sie Weg ein Meile in ihren Schuhen,“ so Bilaals, das weiter ihm einen Schritt unternimmt: er geht barfuß.

Zu wissen, er bittet Mitkursteilnehmer, Lehrer und die öffentlichkeit, das selbe zu tun oder solange sie können, die Kämpfe besser zu verstehen, die von den unterprivilegierten Kindern in der sich entwickelnden Welt - viele gegenübergestellt werden von, kann wem nicht Schuhe sich leisten, geschweige denn Schule sich zu sorgen oder sogar wohin ihre folgende Mahlzeit von kommt.

Kinder in diesen Landwegmeilen in ihren bloßen Füßen täglich, zum des Wassers, Arbeit zu holen über ihre Ackerlande, gehen zur Schule oder führen andere Chores durch. Für viele von ihnen, ist die erste Priorität, um ihren Familien zu kümmern. Dies gilt besonders für Mädchen, die weniger wahrscheinlich sind, sich Schule zu sorgen oder die ersten herausgenommen sind, wenn sie.




Bilaal wird auch in einem unabhängigen Dokumentarfilm, „ja wir kann gekennzeichnet! “, filmen das Willensanfang an den Kettenrädern Festival in Toronto am 19. April 2009. Er wird auch auf der CBC Reihe „Ausbruch“ an den 20. und 21. April 2009 am Festival gekennzeichnet. Es konzentriert auf Bilaal und seinen Aktivismus, und er wird sich das Festival in seinen bloßen Füßen sorgen, um einige Wörter zu sagen! Bilaal sorgt auch sich die Ontario Volunteerism bloßen Füße 2009 der Preise durch Einladung vom Minister der Staatsbürgerschaft und der Immigration, der achtbare Michael Chan.

Bilaal drängt jeder, gerade eine Stunde die bloßen Füße jeder möglicher Tag während der internationalen freiwilligen Woche auszugeben. Sogar besser, können Leute eine Hälfte oder sogar voller Tagesbloße Füße an der Arbeit, an der Schule oder zu Hause ausgeben. Was sind Sie sich vorbereiteten zu tun, um die Welt einen besseren Platz zu bilden?

Gehen Füße mit Bilaal bloße und nehmen änderung - einen Schritt hintereinander vor.

Meu compromisso voluntário da semana - vá Barefoot!
Automatically translated into Portuguese thanks to WorldLingo
a semana voluntária do ternational está ocorrendo abril 19 - 25, 2009, e para comemorar a ocasião, Bilaal spearheading sua própria iniciativa onde viverá vida sem as sapatas para a semana inteira. Como dizem, “você sabe nunca realmente alguém até que você caminhada um a milha em suas sapatas,” assim Bilaal que faz exame lhe de uma etapa mais mais: está indo barefoot.

Está pedindo que os estudantes do companheiro, os professores e o público geral fizessem o mesmo, ou contanto que puderem, compreendessem mais melhor os esforços enfrentados pelas crianças underprivileged no mundo tornando-se - muitas de quem não podem ter recursos para sapatas, deixou sozinho para atender à escola ou para saber mesmo de aonde sua refeição seguinte está vindo.

As crianças nestas milhas da caminhada dos países em seus pés desencapados diários para buscar a água, trabalho em suas terras de fazenda, vão à escola, ou executam outros chores. Para muita deles, a primeira prioridade é tomar cuidado de suas famílias. Isto é verdadeiro especialmente para as meninas, que são mais menos prováveis atender à escola ou são primeiras removidas se.




Bilaal é caracterizado também em um documentary independente, “sim nós pode! ”, isso debut da vontade nas rodas dentadas filma o Festival em Toronto abril em 19, 2009. É caracterizado também na série “Breakout” de CBC abril 20 e em 21, 2009 no festival. Focaliza em Bilaal e em seu activism, e estará atendendo ao festival em seus pés desencapados para dizer algumas palavras! Bilaal atenderá também aos pés 2009 desencapados das concessões de Ontário Volunteerism pelo invitation do ministro do Citizenship e do Immigration, Michael honorável Chan.

Bilaal está incitando todos gastar os pés desencapados de apenas uma hora todo o dia durante a semana voluntária internacional. Mesmo melhor, os povos podem gastar uma metade ou mesmo uns pés desencapados de um dia cheio no trabalho, na escola ou no repouso. Que são você se prepararam para fazer para fazer ao mundo um lugar melhor?

Vão os pés desencapados com Bilaal e fazem a mudança - uma etapa de cada vez.

Min volontärveckaförpliktelse - gå barfota!
Automatically translated into Swedish thanks to WorldLingo
ternationalvolontärveckan äger rum April 19 - 25, 2009, och att fira orsaka spearheading Bilaal hans egna insats var han ska levande liv without skor för den hela veckan. Som vet de något att säga, ”dig aldrig egentligen att någon, tills du går som en mile i deras skor,” så Bilaals som vidare tar det en kliva: han går barfota.

Han frågar med- deltagare, lärare och allmänheten att göra samma, eller så länge som de kan, att förbättra förstår ansträngningarna som vändas mot av underprivileged barn i framkallningsvärlden - många av vem kan inte ha råd med, skor, låter bara för att delta i skolar eller vet även var deras nästa mål är kommande från.

Barn i dessa länder går miles i deras dagliga kala fot för att hämta bevattnar, fungerar på deras lantgårdländer, går att skola eller utför andra sysslor. För många av dem är den första prioriteten att ta omsorg av deras familjer. Detta är riktigt speciellt för flickor, som är mindre rimliga att delta i skolar eller är första som ut tas, om de.




Bilaal presenteras också i en oberoende dokumentär, ”oss kan ja! ” ska det debut på tandhjulfilmfestivalen i Toronto på April 19, 2009. Han presenteras också på CBC-serien ”Breakout” på April 20 och 21, 2009 på festivalen. Det fokuserar på Bilaal och hans aktivism, och han ska deltar i festivalen i hans kala fot till något att säga som några uttrycker! Bilaal som också ska, deltar i den kala foten 2009 för Ontario Volunteerism utmärkelsear vid inbjudan från minister   av medborgarskap och invandring, den hedervärda Michaelen Chan.

Bilaal manar alla för att spendera rättvis en timme kal fot någon dag under landskampvolontärvecka. Även bättre, kan folket spendera en halva, eller även skolar den kala foten för en heldag på arbete, på eller hemma. Vad är du förberedd som ska göras för att göra världen ett bättre att förlägga?

Går gör den kala foten med Bilaal och ändring - en att kliva i sänder.

Мое Volunteer принятие окончательного решения недели - пойдите Barefoot!
Automatically translated into Russian thanks to WorldLingo
неделей ternational Volunteer будет осуществляя 19-ое до 25 апреля 2009, и отпраздновать случай, Bilaal spearheading его собственная инициатива где он будет жить жизнь без ботинок на вся неделя. По мере того как они говорят, «вы никогда реально знаете кто-то до тех пор пока вы прогулка миля в их ботинках,» так Bilaal предпринимая меры ему более далее: он идет barefoot.

Он спрашивает, что студентов собрата, учителей и широкая публика делает эти же, или покуда они смогут, более лучше понимает схватки ые underprivileged дет в развивающем мире - много из не может позволять ботинки, let alone для того чтобы присутствовать на школе or even знать куда их следующая еда приходит от.

Дети в этих милях прогулки стран в их чуть-чуть ногах ежедневных для того чтобы fetch вода, работа на их сельскохозяйственных угодьях, идут к школе, или выполняют другие chores. Для много из их, наиболее высокий приоритет должно позаботиться о их семьи. Это поистине специально для девушок, которые более менее правоподобны для того чтобы присутствовать на школе или первыми одними принятыми вне если они сделали.




Bilaal также отличено в независимо репортажноом-документальн, «да мы может! », то дебют воли на цепных колесах снимает празднество в Toronto 19-ого апреля 2009. Он также отличен на серии «проламывании» CBC 20-ого и 21 апреля 2009 на празднестве. Оно фокусирует на Bilaal и его activism, и он будет присутствовать на празднестве в его чуть-чуть ногах для того чтобы сказать немного слов! Bilaal также будет присутствовать на ногах 2009 пожалований Ontario Volunteerism чуть-чуть приглашением от министра подданства и иммиграции, почетного Майкл Chan.

Bilaal принуждает, что каждое тратит ноги как раз одного часа чуть-чуть любой день во время международной Volunteer недели. Даже лучше, люди могут потратить половину or even ноги полного дня чуть-чуть на работе, на школе или дома. Будут вами подготовили сделать для того чтобы сделать миром более лучшее место?

Идут чуть-чуть ноги с Bilaal и делают изменение - один шаг одновременно.

Mijn VrijwilligersVerplichting van de Week - ga blootvoets!
Automatically translated into Dutch thanks to WorldLingo
is de ternational VrijwilligersWeek plaatsvindend 19 - 25 April, 2009, en om de gelegenheid te vieren, staat aan de spits Bilaal van zijn eigen initiatief waar hij het leven zonder schoenen voor de volledige week zal leven. Zoals zij zeggen, „u kent nooit werkelijk iemand tot u zo een mijl in hun schoenen loopt,“ Bilaal verder nemend het een stap: hij gaat blootvoets.

Hij vraagt medestudenten, leraren en het grote publiek om het zelfde te doen, of zolang zij, de strijd kunnen beter begrijpen die door kansarme kinderen in de ontwikkelende wereld onder ogen wordt gezien - velen van wie zich schoenen niet kan veroorloven, laat staan weten school bijwonen of zelfs waar hun volgende maaltijd uit komt.

De kinderen in deze mijlen van de landengang in hun naakte voeten elke dag aan haalwater, werken aan hun landbouwbedrijfland, gaan naar school, of voeren andere karweien uit. Voor veel van hen, de eerste prioriteit is hun families te behandelen. Dit is waar vooral voor meisjes, die minder waarschijnlijk zullen school bijwonen of de eerste genomen zijn als zij.




Bilaal wordt ook gekenmerkt in een onafhankelijke documentaire, „ja kunnen wij! “, zal dat debuut bij Festival van de Film van Tanden in Toronto op 19 April, 2009. Hij wordt ook gekenmerkt op de CBC reeks „Doorbraak“ op 20 en 21 April, 2009 bij festival. Het concentreert zich op Bilaal en zijn activisme, en hij zal festival in zijn naakte voeten bijwonen om een paar woorden te zeggen! Bilaal zal ook de naakte voeten van de Toekenning van het Vrijwilligerswerk van Ontario van 2009 door uitnodiging van de Minister van Burgerschap en Immigratie, Eerbare Michael Chan bijwonen.

Bilaal spoort iedereen aan om enkel één uur naakte voeten om het even welke dag tijdens Internationale VrijwilligersWeek te besteden. Nog beter, kunnen de mensen de helft of zelfs een volledige dag naakte voeten op het werk, op school besteden of thuis. Wat zijn u voorbereidingen troffen tot de wereld een betere plaats maken doen?

Ga naakte voeten met Bilaal en breng tegelijkertijd verandering aan - één stap.

ذهبت ي متطوّعة أسبوع تعهد - حافي!
Automatically translated into Arabic thanks to WorldLingo
[ترنأيشنل] يتمّ أسبوع متطوّعة أبريل - نيسان 19 - 25, 2009, وأن ب احتفل المناسبة, [بيلل] [سبرهدينغ] ه خاصّة مبادرة حيث هو سيعيش حياة دون أحذية للأسبوع كاملة. بما أنّ هم يقولون, "يعرف أنت أبدا حقّا أحد ما إلى أن أنت مشية [ا] ميل في أحذيتهم," هكذا [بيلل] يأخذ هو خطوة أبعد: هو يذهب حافي.

هو يسأل رفيقة طالبات, معلمات وال [جنرل بوبليك] أن يتمّ ال نفس, أو [أس لونغ س] يستطيع هم, أن على نحو أفضل فهمت الكفاح يواجه بأطفال [أوندربريفيلجد] في ال [دفلوب وورلد] - كثير من من يستطيع لا يمكن أحذية, بل حضرت مدرسة [أر فن] عرفت حيث وجبتهم تالية يكون يأتي من.

يذهب أطفال في هذا بلاد مشية أميال في أقدامهم عارية يوميّة أن يجلب ماء, عمل على هم مزرعة أراضي, إلى مدرسة, أو ينجز أخرى عمل دوريّ. ل كثير من هم, الأولوية أولى أن يأخذ عناية من أسراتهم. هذا يصحّ خصوصا لبنات, الذي يكون أقلّ مرجّحة أن يحضر مدرسة أو يكون الأولى أحد يؤخذ خارجا إن هم أتمّوا.




أظهرت [بيلل] أيضا في برنامج وثائقيّ مستقلّة, "نعم نحن يستطيع! ", يصوّر أنّ إرادة بداية في الضرس العجلة مهرجان في تورونتو في أبريل - نيسان 19, 2009. هو أيضا أظهرت على ال [كبك] [سري] "كسر" في أبريل - نيسان 20 و21, 2009 في المهرجان. هو [فوكسس] على [بيلل] وفعاليته, وسيحضر هو كنت المهرجان في أقدامه عارية أن يقول [ا فو] كلمات! سيحضر [بيلل] أيضا ال 2009 أنطاريو [فولونتيريسم] مكافآت أقدام عارية بدعوة من الوزير من مواطني وهجرة, مايكل شريفة [شن].

[بيلل] يعجّل كلّ شخص أن ينفق فقط واحدة ساعة أقدام عارية أيّ يوم أثناء أسبوع دوليّة متطوّعة. حتّى جيّدة, الناس يستطيع أنفقت نصف [أر فن] يشبع يوم أقدام عارية في عمل, في مدرسة أو [أت هوم]. ماذا يكون أنت أعدّ أن يتمّ أن يجعل العالم مكان جيّدة?

يذهبون أقدام عارية مع [بيلل] ويجعل تغير - واحدة خطوة [أت ا تيم].

Please forward to everyone you know and help spread the message, can I count on your support!

International Volunteer Week is taking place April 19 – 25, 2009, and to celebrate the occasion, Bilaal is spearheading his own initiative where he will live life without shoes for the entire week. As they say, “You never really know someone until you walk a mile in their shoes,” so Bilaal’s taking it a step further: he’s going barefoot.

He is asking fellow students, teachers and the general public to do the same, or as long as they can, to better understand the struggles faced by underprivileged children in the developing world – many of whom cannot afford shoes, let alone attend school or even know where their next meal is coming from.

Children in these countries walk miles in their bare feet every day to fetch water, work on their farm lands, go to school, or perform other chores. For many of them, the first priority is to take care of their families. This is true especially for girls, who are less likely to attend school or are the first ones taken out if they did.

Bilaal is also featured in an independent documentary, “Yes We Can!”, that will debut at the Sprockets Film Festival in Toronto on April 19, 2009. He is also featured on the CBC series “Breakout” on April 20 and 21, 2009 at the festival. It focuses on Bilaal and his activism, and he’ll be attending the festival in his bare feet to say a few words! Bilaal will also attend the 2009 Ontario Volunteerism Awards bare feet by invitation from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, the Honourable Michael Chan.

Bilaal is urging everyone to spend just one hour bare feet any day during International Volunteer Week. Even better, people can spend a half or even a full day bare feet at work, at school or at home. What are you prepared to do to make the world a better place?

Go bare feet with Bilaal and make change – one step at a time.

For More Information, visit Bilaal's website at www.makingchangenow.com
"Together We Can Make a Difference."

Défi aux pieds nus - ensemble nous pouvons
Automatically translated into French thanks to WorldLingo
Prière de à chacun que vous connaissez et aidez à écarter le message, peut je compte sur votre appui !

La semaine volontaire internationale est le 19 au 25 avril 2009 ayant lieu, et pour célébrer l'occasion, Bilaal spearheading sa propre initiative où il vivra la vie sans chaussures pour la semaine entière. Comme ils disent, « vous savez jamais vraiment quelqu'un jusqu'à ce que vous promenade par mille dans des leurs chaussures, » ainsi Bilaal lui prenant une mesure plus loin : il va nu-pieds.
Il demande à des étudiants de camarade, à des professeurs et au grand public de faire la même chose, ou tant que elles peuvent, de comprendre mieux les luttes faites face par les enfants sous-privilégiés dans le monde en voie de développement - beaucoup de qui ne peut pas avoir les moyens des chaussures, encore moins pour aller à l'école ou même pour savoir d'où leur prochain repas vient.

Les enfants en ces milles de promenade de pays en leurs pieds nus journaliers pour chercher l'eau, travail sur leurs terres de ferme, vont à l'école, ou effectuent d'autres corvées. Pour bon nombre d'entre elles, la première priorité est de prendre soin de leurs familles. Cela vaut particulièrement pour les filles, qui sont moins pour aller à l'école ou sont premières sorties s'ils.

Bilaal est également décrit dans un documentaire indépendant, « oui nous peut !  », cela début de volonté aux pignons filment le festival à Toronto le 19 avril 2009. Il est également décrit sur la série de CBC « évasion » les 20 et 21 avril 2009 au festival. Il se concentre sur Bilaal et son activisme, et il assistera au festival en ses pieds nus pour dire quelques mots ! Bilaal s'occupera également des pieds 2009 nus de récompenses de volontarisme d'Ontario par l'invitation du ministre de la citoyenneté et de l'immigration, Michael honorable Chan.

Bilaal invite chacun à dépenser les pieds nus de juste une heure n'importe quel jour pendant la semaine volontaire internationale. Encore meilleur, les gens peuvent dépenser une moitié ou même d'un plein des pieds nus jour au travail, à l'école ou à la maison. Quelle êtes-vous a préparé pour faire pour faire au monde un meilleur endroit ?

Disparaissent les pieds nus avec Bilaal et font le changement - une étape à la fois.

Pour plus d'information, le site Web de Bilaal de visite chez www.makingchangenow.com
« ensemble nous pouvons faire une différence. »

Desafío descalzo - juntos podemos
Automatically translated into Spanish thanks to WorldLingo
¡Por favor, hagáse seguir a cada uno que usted sabe y que ayuda a separar el mensaje, puede yo cuenta en su ayuda!

La semana voluntaria internacional es del 19 al 25 de abril de 2009 que ocurre, y celebrar la ocasión, Bilaal spearheading su propia iniciativa donde él vivirá vida sin los zapatos para la semana entera. Como dicen, “usted nunca realmente sabe a alguien hasta que usted caminata a la milla en sus zapatos,” tan Bilaal que le toma una medida más lejos: él va descalzo.
Él está pidiendo que los estudiantes del compañero, los profesores y el público en general hicieran igual, o mientras puedan, entendieran mejor las luchas hechas frente por los niños desvalidos en el mundo que se convierte - muchos de quién no puede permitirse los zapatos, aún menos para atender a la escuela o aún para saber de adónde su comida siguiente está viniendo.

Los niños en estas millas de la caminata de los países en sus pies pelados diarios para traer el agua, trabajo sobre sus tierras de granja, van a la escuela, o realizan otras tareas. Para muchos de ellos, la primera prioridad es tomar el cuidado de sus familias. Esto es verdad especialmente para las muchachas, que son menos probables atender a la escuela o son primeras tomadas hacia fuera si lo hicieron.

¡Bilaal también se ofrece en un documentary independiente, “nosotros puede sí! ”, eso principio de la voluntad en los piñones filma festival en Toronto el 19 de abril de 2009. También lo ofrecen en la serie “desglose” de CBC los días 20 y 21 de abril de 2009 en el festival. ¡Se centra en Bilaal y su activismo, y él atenderá al festival en sus pies pelados para decir algunas palabras! Bilaal también atenderá a los pies pelados 2009 de las concesiones de Ontario Volunteerism por la invitación del ministro de la ciudadanía y de la inmigración, Michael honorable Chan.

Bilaal está impulsando cada uno pasar pies pelados de apenas una hora cualquier día durante semana voluntaria internacional. Incluso mejor, la gente puede pasar una mitad o aún pies pelados de un día completo en el trabajo, en la escuela o en el país. ¿Cuáles son usted se prepararon para hacer para hacer el mundo un lugar mejor?

Van los pies pelados con Bilaal y realizan el cambio - un paso a la vez.

Para más información, Web site de Bilaal de la visita en www.makingchangenow.com
“juntos podemos diferenciar.”

Sfida a piedi nudi - possiamo insieme
Automatically translated into Italian thanks to WorldLingo
Prego di andata a tutto che conosciate e che contribuiate a spargere il messaggio, può io conta sul vostro supporto!

La settimana volontaria internazionale è dal 19 al 25 aprile 2009 avvenente e celebrare l'occasione, Bilaal spearheading la sua propria iniziativa dove vivrà vita senza pattini per l'intera settimana. Come dicono, “mai realmente conoscete qualcuno fino a che voi camminata un il miglio in loro pattini,„ così Bilaal gli che prende una misura più ulteriormente: sta andando a piedi nudi.
Sta chiedendo agli allievi del collega, agli insegnanti ed al grande pubblico di fare lo stesso, o finchè possono, di capire più meglio le lotte affrontate dai bambini non privilegiati nel mondo di sviluppo - molti di chi non può permettersi i pattini, e tanto meno per assistere alla scuola o persino sapere da dove il loro pasto seguente sta venendo.

I bambini in queste miglia della camminata dei paesi nei loro piedi nudi giornalieri per prendere l'acqua, lavoro sulle loro terre dell'azienda agricola, vanno alla scuola, o realizzano altri chores. Per molte di loro, la prima priorità è di prendere la cura delle loro famiglie. Ciò è allineare particolarmente per le ragazze, che sono meno probabili assistere alla scuola o sono quelle prime eliminate se.

Bilaal inoltre è descritto in un documentary indipendente, “sì noi può! „, quello debutto di volontà alle ruote dentate filma il festival a Toronto il 19 aprile 2009. Inoltre è descritto sulla serie “Breakout„ di CBC il 20 e il 21 aprile 2009 al festival. Mette a fuoco su Bilaal e sul suo activism ed assisterà al festival nei suoi piedi nudi per dire alcune parole! Bilaal inoltre assisterà ai piedi nudi 2009 dei premi di Ontario Volunteerism dall'invito dal ministro della cittadinanza e dell'immigrazione, il Michael onorato Chan.

Bilaal sta invitando tutto a spendere i piedi nudi da appena un'ora tutto il giorno durante la settimana volontaria internazionale. Ancora migliore, la gente può spendere una metà o persino i piedi nudi di giorno completo sul lavoro, alla scuola o nel paese. Che cosa sono voi si sono preparati per fare per rendere al mondo un posto migliore?

Vanno i piedi nudi con Bilaal e fanno il cambiamento - un punto alla volta.

Per le più informazioni, Web site del Bilaal di chiamata a www.makingchangenow.com
“possiamo fare insieme una differenza.„

Automatically translated into German thanks to WorldLingo
Bitte Vorwärts zu jeder, das Sie die Anzeige zu verbreiten, kennen und helfen, kann ich zählen auf Ihrer Unterstützung!

Internationale freiwillige Woche ist stattfindenes 19. bis 25. April 2009, und die Gelegenheit zu feiern, spearheading Bilaal seine eigene Initiative, in der er Leben ohne Schuhe für die gesamte Woche lebt. Wie sie sagen, „Sie wissen nie wirklich jemand, bis Sie Weg ein Meile in ihren Schuhen,“ so Bilaals, das weiter ihm einen Schritt unternimmt: er geht barfuß.
Zu wissen, er bittet Mitkursteilnehmer, Lehrer und die öffentlichkeit, das selbe zu tun oder solange sie können, die Kämpfe besser zu verstehen, die von den unterprivilegierten Kindern in der sich entwickelnden Welt - viele gegenübergestellt werden von, kann wem nicht Schuhe sich leisten, geschweige denn Schule sich zu sorgen oder sogar wohin ihre folgende Mahlzeit von kommt.

Kinder in diesen Landwegmeilen in ihren bloßen Füßen täglich, zum des Wassers, Arbeit zu holen über ihre Ackerlande, gehen zur Schule oder führen andere Chores durch. Für viele von ihnen, ist die erste Priorität, um ihren Familien zu kümmern. Dies gilt besonders für Mädchen, die weniger wahrscheinlich sind, sich Schule zu sorgen oder die ersten herausgenommen sind, wenn sie.

Bilaal wird auch in einem unabhängigen Dokumentarfilm, „ja wir kann gekennzeichnet! “, filmen das Willensanfang an den Kettenrädern Festival in Toronto am 19. April 2009. Er wird auch auf der CBC Reihe „Ausbruch“ an den 20. und 21. April 2009 am Festival gekennzeichnet. Es konzentriert auf Bilaal und seinen Aktivismus, und er wird sich das Festival in seinen bloßen Füßen sorgen, um einige Wörter zu sagen! Bilaal sorgt auch sich die Ontario Volunteerism bloßen Füße 2009 der Preise durch Einladung vom Minister der Staatsbürgerschaft und der Immigration, der achtbare Michael Chan.

Bilaal drängt jeder, gerade eine Stunde die bloßen Füße jeder möglicher Tag während der internationalen freiwilligen Woche auszugeben. Sogar besser, können Leute eine Hälfte oder sogar voller Tagesbloße Füße an der Arbeit, an der Schule oder zu Hause ausgeben. Was sind Sie sich vorbereiteten zu tun, um die Welt einen besseren Platz zu bilden?

Gehen Füße mit Bilaal bloße und nehmen änderung - einen Schritt hintereinander vor.

Zu mehr Information Web site Besuch Bilaals bei www.makingchangenow.com
„zusammen können wir unterscheiden.“

Desafio Barefoot - junto nós podemos
Automatically translated into Portuguese thanks to WorldLingo
Por favor para diante a todos que você sabe e a ajuda espalhar a mensagem, pode mim conta em sua sustentação!

A semana voluntária internacional está ocorrendo abril 19 - 25, 2009, e para comemorar a ocasião, Bilaal spearheading sua própria iniciativa onde viverá vida sem as sapatas para a semana inteira. Como dizem, “você sabe nunca realmente alguém até que você caminhada um a milha em suas sapatas,” assim Bilaal que faz exame lhe de uma etapa mais mais: está indo barefoot.
Está pedindo que os estudantes do companheiro, os professores e o público geral fizessem o mesmo, ou contanto que puderem, compreendessem mais melhor os esforços enfrentados pelas crianças underprivileged no mundo tornando-se - muitas de quem não podem ter recursos para sapatas, deixou sozinho para atender à escola ou para saber mesmo de aonde sua refeição seguinte está vindo.

As crianças nestas milhas da caminhada dos países em seus pés desencapados diários para buscar a água, trabalho em suas terras de fazenda, vão à escola, ou executam outros chores. Para muita deles, a primeira prioridade é tomar cuidado de suas famílias. Isto é verdadeiro especialmente para as meninas, que são mais menos prováveis atender à escola ou são primeiras removidas se.

Bilaal é caracterizado também em um documentary independente, “sim nós pode! ”, isso debut da vontade nas rodas dentadas filma o Festival em Toronto abril em 19, 2009. É caracterizado também na série “Breakout” de CBC abril 20 e em 21, 2009 no festival. Focaliza em Bilaal e em seu activism, e estará atendendo ao festival em seus pés desencapados para dizer algumas palavras! Bilaal atenderá também aos pés 2009 desencapados das concessões de Ontário Volunteerism pelo invitation do ministro do Citizenship e do Immigration, Michael honorável Chan.

Bilaal está incitando todos gastar os pés desencapados de apenas uma hora todo o dia durante a semana voluntária internacional. Mesmo melhor, os povos podem gastar uma metade ou mesmo uns pés desencapados de um dia cheio no trabalho, na escola ou no repouso. Que são você se prepararam para fazer para fazer ao mundo um lugar melhor?

Vão os pés desencapados com Bilaal e fazem a mudança - uma etapa de cada vez.

Para mais informação, Web site de Bilaal da visita em www.makingchangenow.com
“junto nós podemos fazer uma diferença.”

Barfota utmaning - tillsammans kan vi
Automatically translated into Swedish thanks to WorldLingo
Behaga framåtriktat till alla som du vet, och hjälp spridning meddelandet, kan mig räknar på din service!

Landskampvolontärveckan äger rum April 19 - 25, 2009, och att fira orsaka spearheading Bilaal hans egna insats var han ska levande liv without skor för den hela veckan. Som vet de något att säga, ”dig aldrig egentligen att någon, tills du går som en mile i deras skor,” så Bilaals som vidare tar det en kliva: han går barfota.
Han frågar med- deltagare, lärare och allmänheten att göra samma, eller så länge som de kan, att förbättra förstår ansträngningarna som vändas mot av underprivileged barn i framkallningsvärlden - många av vem kan inte ha råd med, skor, låter bara för att delta i skolar eller vet även var deras nästa mål är kommande från.

Barn i dessa länder går miles i deras dagliga kala fot för att hämta bevattnar, fungerar på deras lantgårdländer, går att skola eller utför andra sysslor. För många av dem är den första prioriteten att ta omsorg av deras familjer. Detta är riktigt speciellt för flickor, som är mindre rimliga att delta i skolar eller är första som ut tas, om de.

Bilaal presenteras också i en oberoende dokumentär, ”oss kan ja! ” ska det debut på tandhjulfilmfestivalen i Toronto på April 19, 2009. Han presenteras också på CBC-serien ”Breakout” på April 20 och 21, 2009 på festivalen. Det fokuserar på Bilaal och hans aktivism, och han ska deltar i festivalen i hans kala fot till något att säga som några uttrycker! Bilaal som också ska, deltar i den kala foten 2009 för Ontario Volunteerism utmärkelsear vid inbjudan från minister   av medborgarskap och invandring, den hedervärda Michaelen Chan.

Bilaal manar alla för att spendera rättvis en timme kal fot någon dag under landskampvolontärvecka. Även bättre, kan folket spendera en halva, eller även skolar den kala foten för en heldag på arbete, på eller hemma. Vad är du förberedd som ska göras för att göra världen ett bättre att förlägga?

Går gör den kala foten med Bilaal och ändring - en att kliva i sänder.

För mer information besökBilaals website på www.makingchangenow.com
”tillsammans kan vi göra en skillnad.”,

Босоногая возможность - совместно мы можем
Automatically translated into Russian thanks to WorldLingo
Пожалуйста препровождайте к каждому, котор вы знаете и помогайте распространить сообщение, смогите я подсчитайте на вашей поддержке!

Международной Volunteer неделей будет осуществляя 19-ое до 25 апреля 2009, и отпраздновать случай, Bilaal spearheading его собственная инициатива где он будет жить жизнь без ботинок на вся неделя. По мере того как они говорят, «вы никогда реально знаете кто-то до тех пор пока вы прогулка миля в их ботинках,» так Bilaal предпринимая меры ему более далее: он идет barefoot.
Он спрашивает, что студентов собрата, учителей и широкая публика делает эти же, или покуда они смогут, более лучше понимает схватки ые underprivileged дет в развивающем мире - много из не может позволять ботинки, let alone для того чтобы присутствовать на школе or even знать куда их следующая еда приходит от.

Дети в этих милях прогулки стран в их чуть-чуть ногах ежедневных для того чтобы fetch вода, работа на их сельскохозяйственных угодьях, идут к школе, или выполняют другие chores. Для много из их, наиболее высокий приоритет должно позаботиться о их семьи. Это поистине специально для девушок, которые более менее правоподобны для того чтобы присутствовать на школе или первыми одними принятыми вне если они сделали.

Bilaal также отличено в независимо репортажноом-документальн, «да мы может! », то дебют воли на цепных колесах снимает празднество в Toronto 19-ого апреля 2009. Он также отличен на серии «проламывании» CBC 20-ого и 21 апреля 2009 на празднестве. Оно фокусирует на Bilaal и его activism, и он будет присутствовать на празднестве в его чуть-чуть ногах для того чтобы сказать немного слов! Bilaal также будет присутствовать на ногах 2009 пожалований Ontario Volunteerism чуть-чуть приглашением от министра подданства и иммиграции, почетного Майкл Chan.

Bilaal принуждает, что каждое тратит ноги как раз одного часа чуть-чуть любой день во время международной Volunteer недели. Даже лучше, люди могут потратить половину or even ноги полного дня чуть-чуть на работе, на школе или дома. Будут вами подготовили сделать для того чтобы сделать миром более лучшее место?

Идут чуть-чуть ноги с Bilaal и делают изменение - один шаг одновременно.

Для больше информации, web site Bilaal посещения на www.makingchangenow.com
«совместно мы можем внести изменения.»

Blootvoetse Uitdaging - samen kunnen wij
Automatically translated into Dutch thanks to WorldLingo
Tevreden voorwaarts aan iedereen u kent en helpt het bericht uitspreiden, kan ik op uw steun tellen!

De internationale VrijwilligersWeek is plaatsvindend 19 - 25 April, 2009, en om de gelegenheid te vieren, staat aan de spits Bilaal van zijn eigen initiatief waar hij het leven zonder schoenen voor de volledige week zal leven. Zoals zij zeggen, „u kent nooit werkelijk iemand tot u zo een mijl in hun schoenen loopt,“ Bilaal verder nemend het een stap: hij gaat blootvoets.
Hij vraagt medestudenten, leraren en het grote publiek om het zelfde te doen, of zolang zij, de strijd kunnen beter begrijpen die door kansarme kinderen in de ontwikkelende wereld onder ogen wordt gezien - velen van wie zich schoenen niet kan veroorloven, laat staan weten school bijwonen of zelfs waar hun volgende maaltijd uit komt.

De kinderen in deze mijlen van de landengang in hun naakte voeten elke dag aan haalwater, werken aan hun landbouwbedrijfland, gaan naar school, of voeren andere karweien uit. Voor veel van hen, de eerste prioriteit is hun families te behandelen. Dit is waar vooral voor meisjes, die minder waarschijnlijk zullen school bijwonen of de eerste genomen zijn als zij.

Bilaal wordt ook gekenmerkt in een onafhankelijke documentaire, „ja kunnen wij! “, zal dat debuut bij Festival van de Film van Tanden in Toronto op 19 April, 2009. Hij wordt ook gekenmerkt op de CBC reeks „Doorbraak“ op 20 en 21 April, 2009 bij festival. Het concentreert zich op Bilaal en zijn activisme, en hij zal festival in zijn naakte voeten bijwonen om een paar woorden te zeggen! Bilaal zal ook de naakte voeten van de Toekenning van het Vrijwilligerswerk van Ontario van 2009 door uitnodiging van de Minister van Burgerschap en Immigratie, Eerbare Michael Chan bijwonen.

Bilaal spoort iedereen aan om enkel één uur naakte voeten om het even welke dag tijdens Internationale VrijwilligersWeek te besteden. Nog beter, kunnen de mensen de helft of zelfs een volledige dag naakte voeten op het werk, op school besteden of thuis. Wat zijn u voorbereidingen troffen tot de wereld een betere plaats maken doen?

Ga naakte voeten met Bilaal en breng tegelijkertijd verandering aan - één stap.

Voor Meer Informatie, de website van bezoekBilaal in www.makingchangenow.com
„samen kunnen wij een Verschil maken.“

تحدي حافية - معا يستطيع نحن
Automatically translated into Arabic thanks to WorldLingo
يستطيع [بلس فورورد] إلى كلّ شخص أنت تعرف ويساعد نشرت الرسالة, أنا يعدّ على دعمك!

يتمّ أسبوع دوليّة متطوّعة أبريل - نيسان 19 - 25, 2009, وأن ب احتفل المناسبة, [بيلل] [سبرهدينغ] ه خاصّة مبادرة حيث هو سيعيش حياة دون أحذية للأسبوع كاملة. بما أنّ هم يقولون, "يعرف أنت أبدا حقّا أحد ما إلى أن أنت مشية [ا] ميل في أحذيتهم," هكذا [بيلل] يأخذ هو خطوة أبعد: هو يذهب حافي.
هو يسأل رفيقة طالبات, معلمات وال [جنرل بوبليك] أن يتمّ ال نفس, أو [أس لونغ س] يستطيع هم, أن على نحو أفضل فهمت الكفاح يواجه بأطفال [أوندربريفيلجد] في ال [دفلوب وورلد] - كثير من من يستطيع لا يمكن أحذية, بل حضرت مدرسة [أر فن] عرفت حيث وجبتهم تالية يكون يأتي من.

يذهب أطفال في هذا بلاد مشية أميال في أقدامهم عارية يوميّة أن يجلب ماء, عمل على هم مزرعة أراضي, إلى مدرسة, أو ينجز أخرى عمل دوريّ. ل كثير من هم, الأولوية أولى أن يأخذ عناية من أسراتهم. هذا يصحّ خصوصا لبنات, الذي يكون أقلّ مرجّحة أن يحضر مدرسة أو يكون الأولى أحد يؤخذ خارجا إن هم أتمّوا.

أظهرت [بيلل] أيضا في برنامج وثائقيّ مستقلّة, "نعم نحن يستطيع! ", يصوّر أنّ إرادة بداية في الضرس العجلة مهرجان في تورونتو في أبريل - نيسان 19, 2009. هو أيضا أظهرت على ال [كبك] [سري] "كسر" في أبريل - نيسان 20 و21, 2009 في المهرجان. هو [فوكسس] على [بيلل] وفعاليته, وسيحضر هو كنت المهرجان في أقدامه عارية أن يقول [ا فو] كلمات! سيحضر [بيلل] أيضا ال 2009 أنطاريو [فولونتيريسم] مكافآت أقدام عارية بدعوة من الوزيرة من مواطني وهجرة, مايكل شريفة [شن].

[بيلل] يعجّل كلّ شخص أن ينفق فقط واحدة ساعة أقدام عارية أيّ يوم أثناء أسبوع دوليّة متطوّعة. حتّى جيّدة, الناس يستطيع أنفقت نصف [أر فن] يشبع يوم أقدام عارية في عمل, في مدرسة أو [أت هوم]. ماذا يكون أنت أعدّ أن يتمّ أن يجعل العالم مكان جيّدة?

يذهبون أقدام عارية مع [بيلل] ويجعل تغير - واحدة خطوة [أت ا تيم].

ل كثير معلومة, زيارة [بيلل] موقعة في www.makingchangenow.com
"معا نحن يستطيع جعلت فرق."

Hi Everyone,

You have probably heard the term global warming.  These words are tossed around all the time these days and so many different causes are suggested.  Do you know what global warming is and what it really means?  It really is just as it sounds.  Global warming means the average surface temperature of the earth, including the temperature of the oceans, is gradually increasing and has been doing so since the middle of the last century.

This global warming is largely due to the increased amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the air.  These gases come mostly from human activity including industrial activity, transportation, and the large number of cattle produced to feed us.   Yes, even the cows have an impact.  Actually, they have the largest impact, producing nearly 20% of the greenhouse gases themselves.  The question is, what can we do to help?

There are many suggestions that are given daily.  You can use public transportation, walk, or bike instead of asking your parents to drive you somewhere.  You can also try to support local- and hand-production of food and other goods so that there is less manufacturing and traveling time involved.  You can also choose to eat less meat so that the number of cows on the earth will decrease to a sustainable level.

Last month, during the month of March, the land surface temperatures were the highest ever recorded and when combined with the ocean temperatures, it was the second warmest March on record.  As Earth Day approaches, I would like you to consider global warming, what it means, and what you can do to help.  I always say that together we can make a difference, but we can only do that if each of us does our part.  What’s your part?  I challenge you to think about it and make some changes in your life.

Hi Everyone,

Today I want to talk about Haiti.  It is just one of the many poor countries in the world.  In Haiti, people are feeling the effects of the rising prices of grains and so many are too weak and hungry to do anything except try to survive.

These people are rummaging through the dump to find any food or other useful materials that they can scrounge up.  They are looking through the empty shells of coffee beans to find any beans that might have been missed.  Three quarters of the people earn less than $2 per day and so many children are malnourished.

I tell you this because I want you to understand, really understand, how fortunate we are here in North America.  We live with such abundance.  In 2004, there was a study done that showed that in the United States nearly half the food was wasted, thrown away instead of being eaten.  This is food that could have fed the hungry.

I want to leave you with this thought.  How can you help?  What changes can you make in your life so that you will waste less food?  All change starts with one person and you can be that person.  When many people making changes join together, there is a movement of change that can help others tremendously.  So go ahead and make some changes in your life today.

Hi Everyone,

Have you ever wanted to help others and just didn’t know what to do or where to begin?  I can understand that.  What I suggest to you is that you look at
what is important to you.  Do you feel passionate about animal rights or the lack of drinkable water in the world?  For me the issue was helping the children.  Whatever you decide, you can easily help just by raising much needed money to contribute to your cause.

There are so many ways to raise money for a cause.  A few ideas are to hold a walk-a-thon, a raffle, an auction, a spelling bee, a jelly bean count, a spaghetti dinner, a puppet show, or a craft sale.  For these events and others like them you can charge people to participate or sell tickets to people who want to watch.  Then you can donate all the money you have raised to the charity of your choice.

Of course, you can also volunteer your time and efforts to help your cause, but fundraising is also very important.  If you want more fundraising ideas, you can check out my 99 Fundraising Ideas in my new book , Making Change, coming out this spring.  And remember, together we can make a difference.

Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
www.handsforhelp.org

Hi Everyone,

Have you ever thought about who suffers the most when it comes to poverty?  It is the women and the girls.  They are often treated more poorly in countries in conflict and many of them die from preventable complications with pregnancy and childbirth every year.

The women around the world, the female stars, are getting together to help solve this problem.  Women in government, from Hollywood, advocacy groups, and faith-based organizations came together this past Sunday to form an alliance that will help impoverished women and girls around the world.  These women are powerful and they mean business.

Included in this prestigious group is Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Queen Noor of Jordan, and former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright.  From Hollywood there is Ashley Judd and Catholic Relief Services and World Vision are also on board.  Ashley Judd, who is also the Global Youth AIDS Ambassador,  took the time to speak about the importance of youth empowerment, stopping the spread of HIV, and managing the clean water crisis in the developing world.  She spoke of how young girls are brought into the workforce at a young age, paid poorly, and exploited daily.

This is a major initiative and you can help.  You can make a Personal Breakthrough Commitment or you can join together with the people you work with to make an Organizational Breakthrough Commitment.  This is something you commit to doing to help women and girls from around the world.  To find out more informaiton or to make your commitment visit:

http://www.wfd-alliance.org/

Hi Everyone,

Have you ever wondered what you can do to help the Earth?  After all, we know the Earth is in trouble and that global warming is a major problem.  Sometimes it can seem overwhelming.  After all, how can just one person help?  What can I do?

I am here to tell you that there is so much you can do.  You might already know of some ways to help, such as recycling, not littering, and walking or riding your bike instead of getting mom or dad to drive you.  Well, here are a few more ideas: carry a bag with you when you go to the store and use it instead of plastic bags, carry your own mug or water bottle to save using disposable cups, eat organic food (you’ll need your parents’ help with this one), plant a garden and grow your own food, help clean up your neighbourhood streets and park.

There are plenty more ideas and I bet you can come up with a few of your own.  I really encourage you to start thinking about ways that you can make a difference because April 22 is earth Day.  This is a day every year when we all pitch in and do something special to help the Earth.  There will be things going on in your community that you can get involved in.  Maybe you can find a tree planting or neighbourhood cleanup.

Whatever you choose to do to help the Earth, whether it is on Earth Day or any day, will count and it will count a lot.  Each and every person makes a difference on their own and together we can make a difference.  Make every day Earth Day and make changes in how you live so that you will have a smaller impact on the environment.