We Generation Blog

My name is Lexi and I am representing a group of Toronto Take Action Academy participants. This Academy is a Me to We-based training center for youth who want to make positive global change. We have learned so much and have met so many new people. Everyone here is so like-minded that I feel at home, where I belong. We have only been here since Sunday, yet we are all so close. I feel myself already changing and adapting the Me to We philosophy more and more everyday. Here are some of our best moments, stories, and experiences. I hope you enjoy them. I would encourage each and every one of you to attend a Take Action Academy.

-Lexi Salt, 16

***

I’m very new to Free The Children. I found out about the organization about a month ago. Going to the Take Action Academy was the perfect way to get a deeper understanding of what the organization is doing and will be doing in the future.

I deeply encourage any youth or child that has the opportunity to attend to do so mainly because it is very inspiring to see young people who believe in change. What I will take away from this whole experience is the power of change and unity!

Seeing President Obama elected made me aware that change is on the way. However attending Academy has made it clear that the change is here. Seeing almost 200 youth united for a single cause makes Free The Children an organization that drives the change we’ve been looking for.

-Naima

***

The Take Action Academy has changed my life. It is a safe environment where everyone is accepted. Everywhere you turn, you have a friend no matter how long you have known them. You are able to share your stories, emotions, passions and opinions with skilled facilitators and your peers. I know I have made friends that I will have for a lifetime.

Victoria Edwards, 15

***

Layer upon layer of inhibition

Makes murky muddled vision

We are told it cannot be done

We are told the war won’t be won

Yet now we rise with new vigor and light

We have arrived to cast out wrong and always do right

This is our movement

This is global improvement

We live by one philosophy

ME TO WE

- Trent Browett, 16

***

Jonathon White, professor from Bridgewater College in Boston and long-time supporter of Free The Children, has spent the last two days sharing with us his ideas and passions. Last night, he opened our eyes as some of us went without filling our stomachs, to explain the true facts about world hunger. We learnt that there is enough food in this world to feed three times the current population. We know what we have the means. What we need is action, and that is why we are here.

-Stephanie Reimer

***

You could never imagine more people so kind.

And just one week can open your mind.

With a world full of pain, tears and starvation

The Take Action Academy is just another way to say motivation.

The friends that you make and the layers you shed

All the insane statistics that stick in your head,

People grow and learn how to better,

The world we can fix if we all work together.

-Lucy Schafer, 14

***

As an educator who has experienced North America, Asia, and Africa, I have come to know many gifted, devoted, and inspired people in the field of education. I can honestly say that the Me to We facilitators at the Take Action Academy are some of the most technically adept, knowledgeable and caring individuals in education today. They have inspired great hope in me and in the students whose lives they have touched.

-Jason Martorino, Age 31

***

“The world is a beautiful place and worth fighting for.”

-Hemingway

“This quote has always been a favourite quote of mine. Now after only two days at the Take Action Academy, I finally know what it truly means to fight to save our beautiful world. The generation of change is coming.

“- M. Fairless, 26

***

The Take Action Academy is inspiring the many people that you get to see and know.

People who have seen others suffering and instead of walking by, they have helped them. There are people who have been in the same position as child soldiers and have lived to testify. There are just everyday people that you become friends with who are the most caring people ever and will do whatever they can to help people.

Everyone I have come to know has taught me different things. In the words of one of my inspirations: “Smile everyday!”

-Toya Ajibolade, 13