World Vision: Knowing and changing the world for better.

I never felt happy seeing oppressed, disadvantaged, hopeless, unhealthy human beings especially children in my life. Because of that I always strive to change the unfair world to a fair and happy world for everyone. But don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I will change everyone’s life, myself? NO. But remember Changes doesn’t require too many people but passionate and enthusiastic ones. That is why; changing few individuals is a key to making changes around the world.
Staying in Canada for one year was not about academics but thinking what I can do to help those who have been obviously denied their right and freedom. I never cease to watch videos on youtube showing young, uneducated and hopeless children (Human beings) but it is not because I like them but only because I need to find the relation between what I saw with my eyes and what other people around the world are experiencing. It has been my passion since I was young. This summer, when I was choosing my summer classes, I stumbled upon one of the courses that had globalization as a main subtitle in Geography 122. I felt something in my heart pushing me (telling me) I should take this class because I will get to know more about globalization effects. Unfortunately the class was full I had to wait impatiently*. Finally, I was able to get into the class. As I expected the main topic was globalization effects which emphasized more about economic globalization (capitalist economy) led by Bretton woods institutions (IMF, WB, WTO) and trade (free trade). At this time discussions took way more time beyond the expectations of my professor. The main issue was how economic and trade decisions are being made according to what big businesses and investors wants, but not what is beneficial to local people and minorities. One example was “GAP” in Indonesia, using children in its industries and others.
From the class to the ground: at the same time I was doing my class, I stumbled upon a commercial online by World Vision Canada that was recruiting people to volunteer in the event named “NO Child for Sale”. I applied as early as I could to make sure I am admitted. By the Grace, they accepted my request. I had the feeling that I have to tell the world how unfair, dirty; dangerous it is to use a child as labor especially under difficult conditions. Few people today know how those nice, smooth chocolate bars they always enjoy have ruined millions of children’s future. What about that cup of coffee we enjoy every single hour. What if you know that you get it from a 7 years old sweat? Would you change your mind? It is not only in agriculture, how about those nice shoes and pants, and shirts that ceased the education of millions of children around the world. There many other sectors I can talk about like mining, construction just name them. Yes, children are cheap labors but being cheap doesn’t end your humanity. They do this for their status but life is not about money but about how you are making that much and you use that much.
Eventually the event came along having 120 students aged 7 – 12 divided into 5 teams experiencing what it is to be a child labor. Children had to spend 15 minutes that in each station experiencing how bad it is to be a child labor including my shoes industry where I had also to explain about what is going on in textile industry. They were supposed to spend that time making 1 to 2 shoes. Sawing a premade shoe, children were annoyed, tired and surprised by how much I would have to pay them if it was a real game (work), $2 per day. But that’s the reality around the world I actually gave them much because I am sure many kids make less than that. What really matters is their age and the nature of the work they are doing (sometimes called job). In short, the world has to know that using a child means denying him/her todays opportunities (education health, enjoying childhood) and denying him/her a great future in terms of health and wealth and values. I feel happy that I was among few who raised that kind of awareness but I don’t think I did enough to secure many lives. There is much more time and effort needed to change children’s lives around the world. It’s not all on me but everybody who is rational and concerned. Thank you for those of you who understand why we should stand up and fight against human right (the right of children).