A changed focus towards teenagers and their future

The World is changing. We see how nature is showing us the power of volcanoes, water waves, oil catastrophes. The climate is changing, weather patterns are different and the world will have to adjust.

ThePeaceBrokers Inc have worked for years to empower the youth, the individuals who are responsible for the future. Many an obstacle had to be overcome to continue with the work, to stay involved, to move forward and not to loose the vision and how the world could be if we would empower the teenagers.

The tide is changing and we are looking at hope. Recently Mrs. Obama (the wife of President Obama, USA) visited Mexico. During her visit she was not interested in discussing world matters with the leadership of the country. She invited teenagers, “the movers and shakers” , the individuals working in their communities to improve daily life. They were involved in literacy campaigns, human rights advocacy, environmental activism, medical assistance to impoverished communities, programs to preserve indigenous cultures and efforts to eradicate gender inequality. All issues the participants at the TPB summits have touched on equally.

But the energy is also noticeable in the Netherlands. The non-profit “Children claim their future” has been revitalized. They deal with the same idea; allow the teenagers to be a vital part in designing their future. And the city of Almere has included the principles and the work in their community planning. Zwolle has followed. First meetings were held in March 2010 and many more will follow. This is encouraging.

The plastic garbage on the ocean bottom was one of the projects of a summit

To continue with the change of energy around the world many activities were held on earth day (www.earth911.com). As Mary McLeod Bethune once said: “we have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power towards good ends”. Some examples of ongoing activities are:

• Alex Lin, committed to solve the international e-waste dilemma (www.TakePart.com)
• Greg Woodburn, providing running shoes for youth (www. giverunning.org)
• Adeline Tiffnanie Suwana, environmental educator. She started a community of young people called Sahabat Alam. They are a part of the world's largest grassroots environmental network. (www.foei.org)
• Merit Leighton and Marlowe Peyton, “the plastic control”, collecting and making crafts out of recycled plastic. (as the participants of the Istanbul and the Harrisonburg summit addressed too).
• and the list goes on.

It is time! Time that funding for development countries is being provided in different ways and towards different groups. It is time to take action now and demand that we all as a society support the youth, the future of our world!

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