By Murtaza Adamjee
If you can imagine 18 000 children packed in a stadium, screaming the words “freedom” and “world peace,” you might just get a glimpse of what took place last Thursday September 30, 2010 at We Day – and then some.
In all honesty, I didn’t really know what to expect. And being that We Day 2010 was essentially my first event as a member of the ‘press,’ I was quite nervous to begin with.
I arrived at the venue (Air Canada Centre) at about 10 AM, and after much inquiring, found my way (stumbled actually) to media registration. Upon entering, the immensely, joyous applause resonated throughout my eardrums as thousands of We Day participants marvelled at their speakers; heroes of peace, rather.
We Day, the largest youth-empowerment event of its kind, is presented by Free The Children, the world’s largest network of children helping children through education. Founded in 1995 by child rights activist Craig Kielburger, the organization has received the Children’s Nobel Prize, and the Human Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organization. The organization’s message is simple (yet powerful): Free children from poverty and exploitation, and give our children the education, the tools, and the awareness they need at the local level to inspire socially, conscious change, globally. As such, Free The Children continues to empower the youth using programs like fundraising and awareness campaigns, inspirational and motivational speaking tours, summer camp, and of course, We Day.
So, shortly after registering for my press pass, I made my way to the Press Room for the Q&A session. I quietly took my seat, pulled out a pen and a notebook, and waited for the first speaker to make their way down.
Even at first glance, Spencer West is the epitome of charisma. Having lost his legs at the tender age of five, Spencer has conquered what would have sent many of us packing. His smile is beaming, and his words are powerful; using his encouraging words, Spencer has reached over 1.8 million people as a motivational speaker.
The next speaker to enter the room was one we were probably all waiting for: International children’s rights activists and founder of Free The Children, Craig Kielburger. And although majority of the ‘questions’ were simply words of admiration, I was able to take away a few valuable lessons; the first one being something Craig emphasizes to both children and adults alike: “issue + gift.” Changing the world doesn’t have to be limited to politicians. More often than not, as adults, political or world issues become “more complicated” as we grow older. We all have a gift (of some sort), and we all have an issue that we firmly stand behind. The trick is easy - combine the two, and find a way to make a change.
Instead of providing children with the resources they need to stand up for something they believe in, parents frequently tell kids they’re too young. But if we don’t teach active citizenship from an early age, how can we expect future generations to show compassion and gratitude to others around the world?
Among others present at We Day were some of the world’s top social issue speakers and entertainers (for a comprehensive list, click here).
The event hosted schools from all across North America; some even coming from as far as Newfoundland, California, and Nunavut. We Day will continue making stops in Vancouver on October 15th and in Montreal on November 12th.
One thing’s for sure, if future generations continue to be inspired by leaders like Craig and Marc Kielburger, rest assured, our future looks bright indeed.