A REASON TO HOPE
A REASON TO HOPE…THE country has seen some of its worst in recent days and months …While issues of the economy, national debt and cabinets took centre stage, Camerons got some reprieve from the media glare…However we in the hills were ridden with our own set of problems…STILL under the grip of Federal AGENCIES including the National security council..Horror stories of rampant corruption and human right violations by these very enforcement agencies were making the rounds in hushed tones…
- IN the midst of all this I have realized that instead of playing the blame game or cursing the system, its better to put everything behind us, and to move on..OUR volunteer programs in the schools of Camerons with REACH are a part of an initiative to create environmental awareness among our children and youth inspiring them to become agents of change…These programs are conducted with a focus on developing their English language skills..The response has been tremendous so far..Almost 100 children from Form 1 to 5 were present for our program in August in SMSAS.(Secondary school in Tanah Rata…) The entire workshop lasted about 2 hours ….THE youngsters brainstormed, debated and a very passionate and interesting forum on the environment with special emphasis on Camerons took place..THE clarity with which these young people saw and analyzed what was happening around them was an eye opener.. WE concluded the days events with a slogan writing competition ..8 groups wrote slogans on topics ranging from PESTICIDES, POLLUTION, BIODIVERSITY and CLIMATE CHANGE and presented them in an interesting manner .With hash tags the images of the slogans were posted on instagram and the discussion continued on social media even after the event was over.THE best slogan for the day summed up everything simply but profoundly.., WHY DO WE #CHANGE THE # CLIMATE BUT NOT OURSELVES.. I and the volunteers were truly touched and inspired by the enthusiasm of the school children … THEY GAVE US WHAT WE NEEDED MOST… A REASON TO HOPE…ON that positive note till we meet again in cyberspace..