Home About Us Media Kit Subscriptions Links Forum
APPEARED IN


View All Articles

Download PDF

FAMOUS INTERVIEWS

Directories:

SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

HELP WANTED

Tutors

Workshops

Events

Sections:

Books

Camps & Sports

Careers

Children’s Corner

Collected Features

Colleges

Cover Stories

Distance Learning

Editorials

Famous Interviews

Homeschooling

Medical Update

Metro Beat

Movies & Theater

Museums

Music, Art & Dance

Special Education

Spotlight On Schools

Teachers of the Month

Technology

Archives:

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

1995-2000


SEPTEMBER 2005

International Youth Day at The United Nations

By Liza Young

With a boundless supply of ideas from adults regarding the education and future of youth, it’s not often that voices of young people are heard in a public, powerful forum. The gala opening of the photographic exhibit at International Youth Day at the UN, “Chasing the Dream,” focused on eight students from around the world who shared their innermost feelings via photographs and writings. Each faced a crisis but had hope for the future. The exhibit monumentally accomplished its goal, showing that young adults can positively impact the world. Equality in education and the elimination of poverty, were two important themes of the day.

Diego Goldberg, the photographer who wandered from continent to continent and snapped the moving photos in a record two months, stopped to chat with us.

The students performing in celebration of Youth Day needed no motivation; highlighting the beauty of cultures throughout the world, they performed dances from Africa, China, and South America with professionalism and energy. Johan Scholvinck, Director of the UN Division for Social Policy and Development urged youth to take the opportunity to “build momentum for the events to take place at an upcoming meeting of the UN General Assembly” where millennium goals achievement will be reviewed.

A performance group called Urban Word Poet addressed the issue of HIV, dramatizing an incident of an HIV positive teenager wrought with guilt over not having confided in a friend—recently diagnosed with HIV—about her own HIV status. The group presented a cautionary tale, but also a story of the strength and support friends can provide.

The issues of universal education and equality of education was discussed by a student from New York who pointed out the disadvantages faced by students attending zoned public schools which have a shortage of textbooks and even teachers.

On a global scale, nations such as Sudan face severe educational limitations, as explained by a Sudanese citizen. For children in Sudan, going to school is a luxury; many have to work to help out their families. Equality in education for girls and boys is a serious issue in many countries, such as Kenya where women cannot attain an education without serious bargaining before their community.

Among the stories in “Chasing the Dream” was that of Jason, a 19 year old from Kingston Jamaica, who was diagnosed with HIV at the age of 17. His initial reaction to the diagnosis was to commit suicide, but the sharp words of the person who stopped him—“any problems you have you can come out of”—saved his life not just physically but spiritually.

In the face of adversity, Jason decided to make the most of his life. He considers the diagnosis a turning point in his life and now is embarking on pursuing of his dreams of attaining education in New York. Jason was present at the event.

Urideia, a 19-year-old of São Paulo, Brazil, related to the audience the struggle she faced trying to make something of her life as a resident of a favela (slum) in Northern Brazil. She faced discrimination from schools based on her residence, originally being offered a scholarship only to be rejected once her place of residence became known. Urideia experienced hopelessness but her involvement with Non-government agencies (NGO’s) and later with the project called “Citizen Cook” assures that she is working towards her dream of attending college and opening a restaurant of her own.

During this year’s Youth Day young people on a global scale drew attention to major concerns and hopefully the way will continue to be paved toward fulfillment of millennium goals, and turning dreams into realities.#

COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

Name:

Email:
Show email
City:
State:

 


 

 

 

Education Update, Inc.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. © 2009.