“In April 2003 I … began an educational movement in three different villages. On weekends we got together with some volunteers and visited these villages. Then we gathered all the children and women and told them about the importance of education and health.

Education of girls in India is not encouraged so we decided to teach them. From April onwards we have been going to those villages every weekend to have sessions with the children.

It’s great to know that people like me around the world are doing greater things and inspiring others to do so too.”

-Ashima, India

A group of students passionate about the arts and peace held a Peace One Day celebration in Soweto complete with poetry, music dance, and drama. “The Peace One Day concept was introduced in South Africa for the first time…The programme ran successfully. Our guests were well entertained and well looked after. We managed to light the candles at the same time as our partners in the UK, to commemorate the day. The message about Peace was able to reach out to the people, especially the Youth. It takes a small action to make a big impact. Today we call it “Peace One Day”, tomorrow is “Peace Everyday.”

- Bonani Juniors, South Africa

“Currently the burning issue of our nation is “How to survive”. Even though we are endowed with good natural resources, we have remained in a food deficit… in addition to our economic problem, drought and HIV/AIDS are the headaches of today’s generation and will remain during the life of the upcoming two or three generations… There is an urgent need to change the attitude of the youths, as youth are the guard of the future and the community…We have a program weekly discussion with library users, including children… on two issues: environment and HIV/AIDS.”

-Messeret, Ethiopia

“The community of Cape Cod has been extremely active. The Cape & Islands Youth Council on Sustainability was established giving a voice to students form 16 towns and 10 schools. The Council has worked to identify seven issues of particular concern to Cape Cod. We are currently working to implement real practical action steps to achieving sustainability in our community. These include not only completed service projects and council-wide goals, but also personal action steps that individual members have pledged to fulfill.”

-Jessica Rimington, U.S.

This October a youth summit will be held as the culmination of the council’s first year of work. At the summit participants will draft an action plan to present to local and state leaders describing specific ways to sustain the unique environment and community of Cape Cod and the Islands.

California, U.S.
Passion: music
Project: writing and performing environmentally and activist themed music

Caitlin discovered her passion and talent for music and is the lead vocalist in her band the “Enviro-Chicks”. She has dedicated herself to writing and performing music with environmental and activist themes. One of her songs was recently played on the radio! “I just want to help people,” Caitlin says. “And music’s the best way
I know to do that.”

“Caitlin has always felt that music is a way to wake people up - especially young people,'' says Michelle. Lewis (founder of the Northern Lights School Caitlin attended until eighth grade) ``Her dream is to have something called the `Concert for a Cause,' and it will be all young people playing and singing to raise money for causes they support.''