Creating Change

This past week I spent time talking to my students about creating change. They listened and analyzed the Black Eyed Peas song “Where is the love?” This is a rhetorical question. It was released in 2003 and it brought to life the results of the horrific 9/11 in USA. We can’t afford to be easily influenced by the media negativity. It is imperative that we encourage our youth to love one another and embrace change.

Winnipeg  recently hosted our sixth WE DAY. World renowned speakers and leaders delivered messages of encouragement and as a result, convinced our youth to be involved in educational initiatives that promote change. Today’s students demonstrated leadership and teamwork through their actions and donated money to a local cause including Fort McMurray wildfire relief and welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada as well as promoted awareness of bullying and poverty.

Let’s not forget the purpose here: to educate our youth about some of the world’s ongoing issues and how they can be a part of the solution. Educators must continue to ask questions about what’s happening in our world and have conversations with our students who are the leaders of today that can create change.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophia recently concluded with a powerful image that resonated with me. “All people go through hardships and consequently, we can share our stories as to how we overcome our obstacles and it is crucial that we inspire others to empower to do good in our communities.”

Build strong communities where we strive to be positive supports for each other and overcome internal struggles that face us daily is  possible as we work together with our leaders of today.