Building a new world

It seems odd that part of Africa and Asia’s many social problems can be solved by students taking community action from home, yet Free the Children (FTC), a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) responsible for building 5,000 elementary schools in low-income nations, believes it’s the perfect place to start.

Established in Ontario since 1995, FTC’s stop at St. Thomas High School last week was part of their campaign to spread the word about the organization in Quebec. During the past two months FTC’s Quebec branch reached 4,500 students in 37 schools by holding seminars and workshops through out the day. “We started getting inquiries from schools after Greg Kielburger (the founder of FTC) and (his brother) Mark began speaking in Quebec,” said Sandra Sorial, a Toronto based regional manager for four areas in North America. “We have been based out of Ontario and there was a need to have a Quebec office.”

Giving youths a sense of empowerment goes a long way in a student’s life, according to French teacher Marc Boucher, responsible for bringing FTC to the school. Since September, he and 40 students have been raising funds to build an elementary school in Kenya under the NGO’s umbrella. “It’s hard to quantify the impact (this project) will have on students,” said Boucher. “Some won’t be receptive, but others will and some will remember this day five years from now and do something about (global poverty).”

The presentation students were given included a “realistic” portrait of living conditions in the developing world in hopes it will “shake up” the students as to what is happening in the world. “My goal is to convince them the world is not going to get better if you just sit there,” said Melodie Bouchard, International Youth Coordinator for the Montreal branch. “Out of the students we speak to about 25 per cent sign up (to start a community group) and we help them with ways on how to raise funds.” “Its being more accepted that students can do something (about global poverty). Young people are always told to wait until they have to wait until thy are older, but we need to take action now,” Bouchard added.

For more information on Free the Children, visit www.freethechildren.com.