Who: Clara Halpine & Anna Halpine
Age: 20 & 30
What: Clara won scholarship for an essay she wrote on poverty & Anna started World Youth Alliance
These two sisters interest for global issues when they were young has continued to grow and keeps growing stronger every day. This article can be found at Times Transcript.
Sisters make a difference
A young Salisbury woman was one of five students in North America to be awarded a $10,000 scholarship recently for an essay she wrote on poverty.
In the spring of 1999 Anna Halpine became the founder and president of World Youth Alliance.
Clare Halpine of Salisbury is the only Canadian to receive an international scholarship from S.E. VEN fund.
Mount Allison University third-year fine arts student Clare Halpine, 20, was the only Canadian amongst the winners.
But, perhaps Clare's winning shouldn't come as a surprise.
As it turns out, Halpine is surrounded by family members who have more than just a passing interest in world issues, whether it's poverty, AIDS or hunger.
Clare's older sister Anna, 30, herself a Mount A graduate, founded the World Youth Alliance (WYA) shortly after she graduated from university.
The organization, described on its website as a "global coalition of young people committed to promoting the dignity of the person and building solidarity among youth from developed and developing nations" now has offices in five regions in the world.
The organization trains young people to work at the regional and international levels to impact policy and culture relating to hunger, education, human cloning, AIDS and other global issues.
The Halpines' sister Mary is now the president of WYA in New York. Two of their brothers, John and David, helped build the first office of WYA in New York.
Youngest child Peter is a high school student still living with parents Stuart and Judy in Salisbury, and the whole family has visited Anna in her home base of New York a few times providing support for her work.
The girls' interest in global issues began when they were young and has continued to grow.
Clare, who has spent several summers working for her sister's organization, was recently encouraged to submit an essay to the Boston-based Social Equity Venture Fund (S.E.VEN), a virtual non-profit entity.
The entity is run by two entrepreneurs and its strategy is to "increase the rate of diffusion of enterprise-based solutions to poverty."
Clare's scholarship-winning essay addressed the statement, "Poverty can be regarded as a matter of exclusion from networks of productivity, and not simply as having an unequal portion of what is imagined to be a fixed number of economic goods. In that sense, ending worldwide poverty is serious business. Describe enterprise-based solutions to poverty in this context."
Clare took that idea and turned it into an essay that she never expected would be considered "valid" by those behind the S.E.VEN Fund.
"I really never imagined that I would ever win it based on my very little experience and knowledge of economic structures," she says. "I'm not an international relations student, I'm not an economics student, so I didn't think that my solution to end global poverty would be valid or one what would be taken seriously."
She says the scholarship, which was given directly to Mount Allison University to support her studies, has further encouraged her to study global issues.
She plans on working with WYA in New York again this year, and she is considering working at the group's African office at some point to learn more about AIDS in suffering countries.
Older sister Anna was only 21 when she founded the World Youth Alliance in 1999.
She had finished up her Bachelor of Music degree at Mount A and was living in New York continuing to study music.
She was invited to attend a United Nations conference addressing population and development that featured a small group of youth presenting ideas, but what Anna was hearing at the conference did not address issues she felt were key.
Instead of touching upon issues such as clean water, housing and sanitation that plagues many in developing countries, the issues being presented were abortion as a human right and sexual rights for children.
"So I went into that conference, and said these young people do not represent all of the world's youth they were claiming to speak on behalf of, and I offered some other proposals rooted in this idea of the dignity of the person."
Anna's proposals stalled the hearings for two hours and the impact of what she had to say was immediate.
Representatives from developing countries thanked her for speaking on their behalf and she was encouraged to have a greater presence at similar conferences.
Thus, the World Youth Alliance was born.
Anna says she has always been encouraged by her family to have strength in her convictions and to follow them.
This allowed her to make a stand in front of the UN conference.
"I think it's important for young people to be encouraged within their families and within their formative years to know what they believe and to have the courage to stand up for that," she says.
Having said that, she had no idea at the time what she was getting into.
"I always say thank goodness I didn't know what would be involved," she says with a laugh.
"Because nobody in their right mind would have taken this on. But looking back and looking at the growth and success and the liveliness that we have today in the Alliance, it's just kind of a miracle."
Showing posts with label making a difference. Show all posts
Showing posts with label making a difference. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum
Who: Teenagers across New Zealand
Age: Teens
What: 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum
44 Teenagers across New Zealand gather together to discuss environment and sustainability issues. It's truly a wonderful thing to see that there are young people dedicated to making a difference. You can find this article at Scoop.
Young people paving the way to sustainability
Thursday, 1 May 2008, 5:47 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
1 May 2008
Young people paving the way to sustainability
"It's inspiring to see young people dedicated and committed to making a contribution to protecting the environment," said Associate Environment Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
Nanaia Mahuta praised the effort of the 44 teenagers from across New Zealand who were part of the 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum.
The forum, aimed at inspiring youth to take action against climate change in their communities, today ends with the presentation ceremony.
"These young people have had a chance to take part in community projects, discuss environment and sustainability issues and a chance to learn more about environmental management," said Nanaia Mahuta.
"It's important to recognise that youth have concerns and responsibilities in dealing with the environment, because they are living with the risks and hazards around them.
"By ensuring that young people are encouraged to learn more, and gain a stronger awareness of environmental issues, we will go a long way towards generating effective responses to the sustainability challenges.
The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum is hosted by the Minister for the Environment in partnership with the Sir Peter Black Trust, with delegates being nominated by regional councils for their outstanding interest in the environment.
Nanaia Mahuta said the Labour-led government believes young people can make a difference to the sustainable development of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
"Today's young people are tomorrow's leaders, and investing in them now is critical because young people today play a crucial role in changing how Kiwis think and feel about the environment, and how they will look after it in future," said Nanaia Mahuta.
Age: Teens
What: 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum
44 Teenagers across New Zealand gather together to discuss environment and sustainability issues. It's truly a wonderful thing to see that there are young people dedicated to making a difference. You can find this article at Scoop.
Young people paving the way to sustainability
Thursday, 1 May 2008, 5:47 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
1 May 2008
Young people paving the way to sustainability
"It's inspiring to see young people dedicated and committed to making a contribution to protecting the environment," said Associate Environment Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
Nanaia Mahuta praised the effort of the 44 teenagers from across New Zealand who were part of the 2008 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum.
The forum, aimed at inspiring youth to take action against climate change in their communities, today ends with the presentation ceremony.
"These young people have had a chance to take part in community projects, discuss environment and sustainability issues and a chance to learn more about environmental management," said Nanaia Mahuta.
"It's important to recognise that youth have concerns and responsibilities in dealing with the environment, because they are living with the risks and hazards around them.
"By ensuring that young people are encouraged to learn more, and gain a stronger awareness of environmental issues, we will go a long way towards generating effective responses to the sustainability challenges.
The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum is hosted by the Minister for the Environment in partnership with the Sir Peter Black Trust, with delegates being nominated by regional councils for their outstanding interest in the environment.
Nanaia Mahuta said the Labour-led government believes young people can make a difference to the sustainable development of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
"Today's young people are tomorrow's leaders, and investing in them now is critical because young people today play a crucial role in changing how Kiwis think and feel about the environment, and how they will look after it in future," said Nanaia Mahuta.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Uniting to Shape the Future
Who: Local Students in Howard County
Age: Students
What: Uniting to shape the future
Local students in Howard County at a summit sponsored by Voices of Change gather together to make their voices heard. The summit was focused on encouraging youth to make a difference and teaching them how to build a good community around them. This story can be found at The Baltimore Sun.
Local students unite to shape the future
Voices for Change focuses on positive change
By Lisa Silverman
Sun reporter
April 16, 2008
"Students already have voices," said Andrew Gavelek, student member of the Howard County Board of Education. "It's just a matter of using them."
About 160 students from 29 middle and high schools had their voices heard last week at the second Youth Summit at The Gathering Place in Clarksville. The summit was sponsored by Voices for Change, an organization of young people and adults that empowers students to create positive change in Howard County, according to its mission statement.
Brianna Bradford, a junior at Reservoir High School, has served as the student co-chair of Voices for Change, formerly known as the Youth Summit Planning Committee, for the past two years.
"It has taken a lot of effort to build a good foundation for this group," she said. "I'm really excited about the progress we've made and hope more students want to be involved in helping us advocate change."
Elise Mellinger, youth program manager for the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and adult co-chair, was one of about 40 adults -- planning team members and school staff -- who attended the summit.
"It's great to have such a diverse representation today," Mellinger said. "I think it's very important that different types of students can learn how to advocate for change."
Last year's summit focused on brainstorming solutions to five issues that teens face. This year the summit centered on empowering youth to make a difference and to teach them about building a support system within the community.
Youth advocate Derek Peterson, the keynote speaker at the summit, urged the attendees to look within themselves and to strive for positive community change. He stressed that success means having multiple options. Peterson wanted the students to understand the importance of having at least five caring adults in their lives to serve as anchors.
"I wanted to teach the students to create their web of support that will lead to their innate resiliency," Peterson said after his address. "It's equally important that they help their peers build 'personal villages' as well."
"I learned that you need help taking care of yourself," said Sadie Rockefeller, an eighth-grader at Burleigh Manor Middle School. "You need support and can't do it on your own."
"Today was all about having your voice heard. I want to let people know that's a reality," said Marie Yuille, a sophomore at Oakland Mills High School.
The 60-person planning team spent about a year planning the summit, while working to make changes in the community that directly affect teens. As a result of their efforts, students in many high schools now have a regular study hall. Also, preliminary plans are being discussed for a youth commission in Howard County.
After attending last year's summit, Sami Hawkins realized her voice could finally be heard.
"I've always wanted to help improve the community, but I've never known how," said Hawkins, a sophomore at Centennial High School and a planning team member. "It's great that anyone can get involved and make a difference. Everyone's voice is needed."
Twelve community-based organizations sponsored the summit. Howard County Councilwomen Jen Terrasa and Mary Kay Sigaty attended as well.
"I hope kids learned how to use their voice today," Sigaty said.
For more information about Voices for Change, contact Elise Mellinger at emellinger@howardcountymd.gov or Meg Mekelburg at mmekelburg@thehorizonfoundation.org.
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
Age: Students
What: Uniting to shape the future
Local students in Howard County at a summit sponsored by Voices of Change gather together to make their voices heard. The summit was focused on encouraging youth to make a difference and teaching them how to build a good community around them. This story can be found at The Baltimore Sun.
Local students unite to shape the future
Voices for Change focuses on positive change
By Lisa Silverman
Sun reporter
April 16, 2008
"Students already have voices," said Andrew Gavelek, student member of the Howard County Board of Education. "It's just a matter of using them."
About 160 students from 29 middle and high schools had their voices heard last week at the second Youth Summit at The Gathering Place in Clarksville. The summit was sponsored by Voices for Change, an organization of young people and adults that empowers students to create positive change in Howard County, according to its mission statement.
Brianna Bradford, a junior at Reservoir High School, has served as the student co-chair of Voices for Change, formerly known as the Youth Summit Planning Committee, for the past two years.
"It has taken a lot of effort to build a good foundation for this group," she said. "I'm really excited about the progress we've made and hope more students want to be involved in helping us advocate change."
Elise Mellinger, youth program manager for the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and adult co-chair, was one of about 40 adults -- planning team members and school staff -- who attended the summit.
"It's great to have such a diverse representation today," Mellinger said. "I think it's very important that different types of students can learn how to advocate for change."
Last year's summit focused on brainstorming solutions to five issues that teens face. This year the summit centered on empowering youth to make a difference and to teach them about building a support system within the community.
Youth advocate Derek Peterson, the keynote speaker at the summit, urged the attendees to look within themselves and to strive for positive community change. He stressed that success means having multiple options. Peterson wanted the students to understand the importance of having at least five caring adults in their lives to serve as anchors.
"I wanted to teach the students to create their web of support that will lead to their innate resiliency," Peterson said after his address. "It's equally important that they help their peers build 'personal villages' as well."
"I learned that you need help taking care of yourself," said Sadie Rockefeller, an eighth-grader at Burleigh Manor Middle School. "You need support and can't do it on your own."
"Today was all about having your voice heard. I want to let people know that's a reality," said Marie Yuille, a sophomore at Oakland Mills High School.
The 60-person planning team spent about a year planning the summit, while working to make changes in the community that directly affect teens. As a result of their efforts, students in many high schools now have a regular study hall. Also, preliminary plans are being discussed for a youth commission in Howard County.
After attending last year's summit, Sami Hawkins realized her voice could finally be heard.
"I've always wanted to help improve the community, but I've never known how," said Hawkins, a sophomore at Centennial High School and a planning team member. "It's great that anyone can get involved and make a difference. Everyone's voice is needed."
Twelve community-based organizations sponsored the summit. Howard County Councilwomen Jen Terrasa and Mary Kay Sigaty attended as well.
"I hope kids learned how to use their voice today," Sigaty said.
For more information about Voices for Change, contact Elise Mellinger at emellinger@howardcountymd.gov or Meg Mekelburg at mmekelburg@thehorizonfoundation.org.
Copyright © 2008, The Baltimore Sun
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Video Friday: 2007 National Youth Award Winners
Watch out for these kids.
The youth award video highlighting the 2007 National Youth Award Winners.
Directed by Alberto Ferreras
Produced by Bria Bergman
The youth award video highlighting the 2007 National Youth Award Winners.
Directed by Alberto Ferreras
Produced by Bria Bergman
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Making Voices Heard
Who: Fatuma Roba
Age: 21
What: Making Voices Heard
This week we are featuring a Digital Diary from UNICEF about a young woman from Kenya who is making voices heard. Fatuma is a founding member of a girls' centre in her community and has been moderating her own discussion group at the centre. Knowledge is power.
Listen to the audio here
Fatuma’s Digital Diary: Daily life for girls in the slums of Kenya
By Blue Chevigny
NEW YORK, USA, 24 October 2007 – Fatuma Roba, 21, lives in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Deeply concerned about the rights of girls and women, she is a founding member of the Binti Pamoja group – a girls’ centre in her community.
During the last year she has been moderating her own discussion group at the centre, where she and other girls can talk about their concerns openly, safely and freely.
Over the past few months Fatuma has also started recording interviews for the Digital Diaries project of Voices of Youth (UNICEF’s online community for young people) and UNICEF Radio. She received radio equipment and training at UNICEF headquarters in March, while she was in New York as a Kenyan delegate to the 51st Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Fatuma's objective
In the first instalment of her Digital Diary, Fatuma asks girls aged 13 through 21 in her community – mostly members of her girls’ centre – how they feel about their lives in Kibera. Along with her recordings, she has sent her own written description of her objectives for this Digital Diary:
“I’m interested in how young people feel about living in Kibera and what they fear most about being a young girl here,” Fatuma writes. “Most of the responses demonstrate that they feel good because [the cost of living] in Kibera is cheap and one can afford to live here even if they are jobless.
“Some argued that life is scary because of increasing insecurity and the dirty environment and the increased joblessness of youth. There are also incidents of rape, which most of the girls mentioned as a fear. This has been an issue because there are no rules and the laws must be amended by the government to punish those guilty of such acts.”
Access to unique viewpoints
Fatuma’s diary is an eye-opening cross-section of opinions and reflections by young women in Kibera, one of the largest slum districts in the world. Her intimate interviews allow listeners access to a point of view that they don’t often hear.
The girls who tell their stories have the unique experience of being in a group where they can express themselves and learn things like homework skills, self-defence methods and strategies for achieving their dreams. These are girls with hopes for the future and a sense that they can get what they need, despite their difficult beginnings in an impoverished and dangerous community.
“I am very proud living in Kibera,” says one young woman named Maureen, her voice forceful and full of energy. “I know that no one but me can make my life better. It’s up to me to create the change I want in my life and in the lives of others.”
Age: 21
What: Making Voices Heard
This week we are featuring a Digital Diary from UNICEF about a young woman from Kenya who is making voices heard. Fatuma is a founding member of a girls' centre in her community and has been moderating her own discussion group at the centre. Knowledge is power.
Listen to the audio here
Fatuma’s Digital Diary: Daily life for girls in the slums of Kenya
By Blue Chevigny
NEW YORK, USA, 24 October 2007 – Fatuma Roba, 21, lives in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi, Kenya. Deeply concerned about the rights of girls and women, she is a founding member of the Binti Pamoja group – a girls’ centre in her community.
During the last year she has been moderating her own discussion group at the centre, where she and other girls can talk about their concerns openly, safely and freely.
Over the past few months Fatuma has also started recording interviews for the Digital Diaries project of Voices of Youth (UNICEF’s online community for young people) and UNICEF Radio. She received radio equipment and training at UNICEF headquarters in March, while she was in New York as a Kenyan delegate to the 51st Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Fatuma's objective
In the first instalment of her Digital Diary, Fatuma asks girls aged 13 through 21 in her community – mostly members of her girls’ centre – how they feel about their lives in Kibera. Along with her recordings, she has sent her own written description of her objectives for this Digital Diary:
“I’m interested in how young people feel about living in Kibera and what they fear most about being a young girl here,” Fatuma writes. “Most of the responses demonstrate that they feel good because [the cost of living] in Kibera is cheap and one can afford to live here even if they are jobless.
“Some argued that life is scary because of increasing insecurity and the dirty environment and the increased joblessness of youth. There are also incidents of rape, which most of the girls mentioned as a fear. This has been an issue because there are no rules and the laws must be amended by the government to punish those guilty of such acts.”
Access to unique viewpoints
Fatuma’s diary is an eye-opening cross-section of opinions and reflections by young women in Kibera, one of the largest slum districts in the world. Her intimate interviews allow listeners access to a point of view that they don’t often hear.
The girls who tell their stories have the unique experience of being in a group where they can express themselves and learn things like homework skills, self-defence methods and strategies for achieving their dreams. These are girls with hopes for the future and a sense that they can get what they need, despite their difficult beginnings in an impoverished and dangerous community.
“I am very proud living in Kibera,” says one young woman named Maureen, her voice forceful and full of energy. “I know that no one but me can make my life better. It’s up to me to create the change I want in my life and in the lives of others.”
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