It has made me think a lot about walking my talk. I believe that people seeking asylum should receive respect and care, not simply detention and deportation, and that people who have already suffered trauma should be protected as much as possible from further trauma.
But what am I doing about it? Not enough. From now on, I am going to try to do more. I need to.
I need to, at least in part for these boys (now men, if they have survived). I met them at a refugee shelter in Kenya when I was just 19 years old. They had escaped war in Sudan - and potentially escaped life as child soldiers. They were gorgeous and funny and clever. I learned to play thumb piano, and danced and sang with their community (to be told I "danced with a tight bottom" - it was NOT a compliment!).
Coming home from that experience, I was determined to "do my bit" for those boys and people in their situation... then I got caught up in Uni, and life, and stuff... and my efforts have been token ones.
Now I think it's time to rediscover my inner 19 year old, and once more try to change the world...
(um, yes, this post is somewhat overly earnest. sorry about that.)
PS: a BIG thank you to Cath for reminding me...
4 comments:
I've been thinking a lot about this too, trying to teach my kids about people less fortunate than us. My husband is doing the 100k oxfam walk and my two boys donated all of their wallet contents ($25) feeling so sad for the children who have nothing. These people are so desperate and have no other choice than to seek asylum. Such a good program that we ALL should watch.
Earnest is good. I look forward to bearing what you come up with. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed about what we can dO that will be helpful. My brown owls group is about to undertake a project of making simple children's dresses and trousers, beanies and scarves etc to donate to refugees. We are in the process of contacting the appropriate support groups to see where we should send to and if they would indeed be helpful. Little things that we can do.
Thanks so much for bringing this show to my attention. I live in NYC and would have otherwise never known about it. I can't wait to check it out.
As an aside I finally figured out how to add code to any link so that it opens up in a new brower window leaving the original page opened beneath it...I may do a little post about it bc it could make a big difference in how much time followers stay on one's site... but who knows when so if you'd like google "Blogger how can I do more with links?" and you'll find it there. Hope you don't mind the unasked for tip.... just wanted to share!!
xo CP
I've been glued to sbs this week watching this compelling series! What an eye-opener. It's made me wonder what I can do to help these people too. There are plans to bring asylum seekers to an old army base near Hobart and there's a group of supporters who will welcome them and offer support. I'm going to see if we can offer support too.
I'll look forward to seeing what you come up with Catherine!
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