Since watching the 2006 documentary movie, God Grew Tired of Us by directors Tommy Walker and Christopher Dillon Quinn, I have never felt so grateful to be living in the lifestyle I experience today. To summarize, the movie depicts the events of Sudan in the 1980s  in which communities of boys are separated from their families due to the war ridden capital. Up until this day, residents and citizens of Africa continue to battle the many ongoing problems such as: diseases, low living standards, lack of education and many more. Many individuals in Africa are given an opportunity to live life and express “freedom” in America; however, the problem is never solved as they are riddled with debts and the vast discrimination of society.

Even so, it brings joy to my heart to see individuals or groups help out little by little. Halloween just passed and I noticed a couple advertisements regarding UNICEF’s annual Halloween campaign. With the primary emphasis of helping children in third world countries, UNICEF makes an effort to change the lives of many. With many out there in need, it questions the mass (including myself) as to how they will make a difference at all? It occurred to me only after I finished watching the documentary that the answer was simply a group effort. Sure UNICEF wants you to donate money to their company, but it’s about knowing what you’re contributing to. UNICEF can’t fix all the world problems with money, they need the help of individuals to advocate their goal.

http://www.diplomaticcallonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cabecera-unicef-color-pag-o.png

This whole concept ultimately relates back to the program I’m currently enrolled in at UBC, the Coordinated Arts Program: Global Citizens. The purpose is to educate individuals in becoming someone who will contribute to the world as a whole. My class could very well be the solution to advocating change in our society because it takes groups of individuals to make a difference. I might not be able to fix the current situation in Africa currently, but slowly, I can guarantee everyone on the planet will learn what it means to be a global citizen.

/VinsonTam

References

God Grew Tired of Us. Perf. John Dau, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Abul Pach, Panther Bior. NewMarket            Films, 2006. DVD.

“UNICEF Canada : No Child Too Far.” UNICEF CA RSS. Web. 4 Nov. 2014.