Issues from around the globe – Westview Public School’s Social Activist Fair

Alternative Income projects enable the empowerment of women in Kenya

When global leaders came together in 2000 to formulate the Millennium Development Goals they indicated to the world that it is our shared duty to address the many important issues facing the globe. The Grade 8 students from Westview Public School in Hamilton, Ontario, decided have taken up the challenge, knowing that, as young people, it is their responsibility to contribute to this global effort. These amazing youth, with the guidance of Westview teacher Beth Carey, shared their hope for the future by organizing a Social Activist Fair—an opportunity for students and teachers to explore global problems and take action to make a difference.

Issues discussed at the event ranged from child labour, education, poverty, animal rights, conflict diamonds and the environment. The day was also filled with fundraising initiatives, as the students sold cupcakes and cookies to raise money to support Free The Children’s Adopt a Village Alternative Income campaign in Kenya.

Grade 8 student Dylan Siriwardena said of the event, “The Social Activist Fair opened my eyes to the many injustices around the world. It inspired me to get more involved in more charities in my community. I believe it made me a better person”.

At the end of the day, everyone who attended the event left with concrete ways in which they can get involved to help improve the lives of their peers in North America and overseas. The fair was even profiled in the local newspaper and television media. The fair was part of a year-long effort by students at Westview Public School, who ultimately raised $5,000 towards the Alternative Income campaign supporting the empowerment of women in Kenya. As Westview student Alice Van Ngo said, “The fair benefited everyone. We’re helping people around the world by informing them about what’s happening and, in exchange, we all learn.”

We wish the students from Westview Public School the best of luck in all their future awareness raising and fundraising initiatives and can’t wait to hear what this amazing group will organize next!

Helpful Hints from Helpful Links

Watch a video to learn more about Free The Children projects in Kenya

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.