The Girl Effect Video!Get Inspired! (including a poem i wrote)

http://www.girleffect.org/

WE CAN HELP HER (AND OTHER GIRLS LIKE HER) BECOME

ALL THAT THEY WANT TO BE!

GIVE THAT A CHANCE TO BELIEVE, TO HAVE DREAMS AND
TO LEAD DIGNIFIED LIVES!

A Poem in Their Honour and Support!

The Girl Effect

Put it in motion
stir it for action
cause an equation
that will shake the foundations
of all preconceptions, all dogmas, traditions
and will release from prison these beautiful hidden treasures!

Each girl is precious, each one is a star
light the flame in her life
give her freedom at once!
She'll sparkle and shine
She'll be glorious, a fruitful vine!

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO SET HER FREE

Free from all the unwanted
marriage, labour, abuse
Free to make her own choices
to depend on herself
Free to control her destiny too
free to embrace life that is good!
free to plan, to save, to grow and develop
to explore her talents to the full
Free to dream, to aspire
to play and to learn
Free to be a happy child,
free to become a dignified woman
able to give birth and survive
take care of her child
free to laugh and to love...
to be a citizen ...
a mother a wife.

Press the button, stir the wheel
you have the tools, she needs to succeed
you can give her a chance,
she'll take it, you'll see
you can lend her a hand
she won't disappoint u,
believe me!

A child, a girl, a woman, a human at last
will you light the flame of her future?
will you give her a chance?
then, as if by some magic
you'll see multiplied
this equation growing bigger
including many lives

she began as a girl,
who received education
then she found a job better
and provided for her old parents
she planned her family and brought to life
children that she cared for
and sent to school at last

and here the magic is unfolding
one life put in place
changes so many around it,
and the poverty cycle is
broken alas!
oh, invest in this girl!
bring the magic to life!
change the course of history,
bring Justice the victory!

INVEST IN A GIRL!
SET THE MAGIC OF THE GIRL EFFECT IN MOTION!

Addis wanted a CHANCE to CHOOSE how to live! She wanted to KNOW!Now She is POWERFUL!..so is her son!

Shumi is POWERFUL!She is COURAGEOUS!She was given a chance..then..

the Girl Effect began!

Sanchita took a small loan...which changed her life and the life of her family...

it doesn't take much to start the Girl Effect!Support it!!!

An investment in one girl's future...will reap a rich harvest!!!

THE GIRL EFFECT!

THE FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS!

WE CAN MOLD IT TODAY!

WE HAVE THE TOOLS,

THE KNOWLEDGE

THE RESOURCES...

THE QUESTION IS

DO WE HAVE THE COURAGE?

THE WILL?

THE PASSION...?

TO TAKE A STAND

TO BREAK THE SILENCE

TO MAKE A STEP

TO PLANT THE SEEDS...

AND REAP THE HARVEST!!!

(the poem is in the honour & support of the Girl Effect movement and all girls and women around the world)!
p.s. i will include a ppt with recitation of the poem soon! upcoming!

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World Food Programme!Make a Difference!!!TODAY!

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CHARTER FOR COMPASSION-NOVEMBER 12TH!

CHARTER FOR COMPASSION TRAILER from TED Prize on Vimeo.

There is an urgent need for a new focus on compassion.

Bringing together voices from all cultures and religions, the Charter seeks to remind the world we already share the core principles of compassion.

On November 12, thousands of people across the globe will listen together.

Participate and engage with the Charter now at charterforcompassion.org

Director: Gilly Barnes
Music: Fredo Viola
Additional Footage: Peter Roger

LET US ALL JOIN HANDS TO BRING A JUST, A GOOD, A COMPASSIONATE WORLD TO OURSELVES AND TO OUR CHILDREN!

BE PART OF THE CHANGE
BE PART OF THE REVOLUTION FOR COMPASSION!

BE A COMPASSIONATE CITIZEN, ONE READY TO TREAT ALL OTHERS, AS YOU YOURSELF WISH TO BE TREATED!

I JOINED! WILL YOU?

please share any interesting ideas about events that can be held during the celebrations, ways to raise awareness among the people about the importance of becoming compassionate towards one another and making a positive change in our world!

not separated by small differences but united by common core principles we share, not separated but UNITED WE STAND, and when we are united, nothing, absolutely nothing can defeat us...!

humanity's main characteristic will be compassion, our greatest achievement - fair and equal treatment of all people, our biggest victory - the one over selfish and greedy existence, our most valued principle of existence THE GOLDEN RULE!

WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN. I HAVE A DREAM AND I BELIEVE IN IT, DO YOU? IF YOU SHARE IN THE DREAM, COME AND JOIN! :)

IT ALL DEPENDS ON US!

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Water your cracked soul! (Volunteering Part II)

The cracked earth beneath my soul
Cries out in need of my support
Invest in me! Water me! Plant seeds in me!
And I’ll grow crops
Don’t let me wither and be gone…
It cries through me, when I see pain
When I see suffering it calls my name
It says I have a mission here…

Yet I am bothered by its cry
Why can’t it be happy with what I have now?
Why does it scratch me every now and then
As if trying to press me to go another way?
Why can’t it be quiet and leave me alone
Undisturbed and self-absorbed, why can’t I be so?
It says it’s not about me…that I am a part of a whole…

The squealing, shrilling voice beneath,
Comes out through every hole, indeed
Through the cracks it travels straight to me

And says – you ARE a part of HUMANITY

Yet, I don’t see what all this means,
After all, around me I see only this:
Crashed/destroyed lives vs. wealthy chaps
Forgotten lives vs. remembered/glamorous lives
People who need vs. such who have much
Displaced vs. those with A mile-long p(a)lace
…
Isn’t it nature’s order to attempt to balance this mess (the scales)?
Is this a fair and just verdict? I don’t really ask this!

I go on my way, without a concern
For the problems of others,
After all, am I not immune?
Yet, that little voice rising to speak
Is up for some campaigning and debating with me
It shows me my blessings and gives me some time
Until I start feeling a growing emptiness right in the core
I have everything that one really needs
And yet, I feel somewhat Incomplete
…
Then I start to listen, to hear this voice
And slowly to realize one truth that beats the odds:

I AM A PART OF A WHOLE,
AND I HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE:
TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SCALES
DON’T LEAN ON ONE SIDE,
WITH NO REGARD FOR THE REST!

So I water the earth, I start planting seeds
And see how in time
It yields rich harvest
Now it’s all different, what I hear in me
It’s a chorus of voices that make my soul leap
A joyous song, a re-MIX of
The transformed lives of those I have reached!

Arise, oh, Human, arise and shine! Let lives be touched by your HumanE role!

You are a crucial part of HUMANITY! Play your role! Be HumanE!

p.s. the photo is from Hannah's facebook profile

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Activate/Press your humanE button! (Volunteering Part I)

I'll change the world

One child/life at a time

I'll raise the banner

DO IT NOW!

We live to love

And love to live

Yet, unconcerned we stroll the streets

Window-shopping, mesmerized by things

We go to work and pay the bills

Raise kids in bulk and go on trips

We say we live, yet only breathe

We have enslaved the truth and exist

Under the tyranny of a world flooded by a material feast.

Oh, how is it that we don't see:

The least, the least is to help those in need!

Then one ordinary day...we realize our priorities are messed up, we're incomplete,

unsatisfied, unfit...we've simply forgotten what determines our "breed".

I press my button to release

The humanE spirit that lies beneath

To free the ME that wants to live

By making time to love the unreached.

Instead of luxury and empty wealth

of empty words, empty promises and perishing things

I'll indulge myselg in a life-long drill

To learn how to enRich one life at a time,

Not mechanically - drop a coin,

But investing time and effort to care and transform

Not by counting what I'll get

But by giving all that I have

Then, I believe that I'll be complete!

I'll leave the chair, comfort, bed,

I'll merge into the world where magic is made

I'll be the magician, I'll see/be the change!

***

Make time to love and none to hate

Make time to see and some to hear

Make time to help, give more than you think you can spare

Make time to count your blessings many

Make time to smile and be happy

Yet don't forget

Make time for others, make THEM happy!

Make time to make a difference big

One life at a TIME, one-person-focused-reach!

***

To love is simple, yet so grand

To live is simple, yet so profound

Don't ponder over simple truths

Just live the moments and love the world

Don't get discouraged from the system

Corrupt officials, scandals, people

See there, beyond the rising sun

it's your day, dear, grab it and run!

Press your humanE button. Make time to LOVE. Be a magician.

p.s. i'll make time for you my friend,thanks for inspiring me!

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~~Global Warming~~G20~~etc...

disabilities and discrepancies

in the main system...will it crash?

dislocation and displacement

of people and places...will it all melt?

derangement and deficiency

in the economies and people...will it all collapse?

degradation and distortion

in every corner and in every 'fact'...will it cause a domino effect?

who serves whom?

who gives and who gets?

beneficiaries and benefactors

companies and organizations

structures, institutions, posts and roles

all pre-assigned, all secured and bought

preconceived notions and post-conflict left-over explosions
rulers inept to rule, defenders obscure in their missions and goals

following assignments blindly,

copying information no one really regarding

in a chaotic, nervous vacuum that will burst

people spin and spin until they are all... flushed...

'friendship' is a political slang

to mean 'mutual' selfish exploitation and achieving one's quest

'harmony' is an illusionary state

which is to lure the already deceived into a net

'peaceful rise', peaceful fall, what rises eventually falls

climb the snowy peaks you liars, while they still have snow!!!

'melting pot' becomes a truth

with every living creature under the doom

of involuntarily becoming a participant in this soup

but who dares complain to the great cooks?

prideful, arrogant, obnoxious -

people without values, unable to make right choices!

the climate is warming...it is a theory

are people warming?...not towards each other

are countries warming?...not to become blends, they aren't

these processes lead us into the infernal fire

of our own sins and selfish desires...

consumption, money, and the things we rave
will keep the fire burning till it all ends.

the power to stop? - switch off the plug?

the power to stop? - pick yourself up!

don't trust in those whom you see on the TV upclose

don't follow the crowd when it drags your values like a rag

don't put up with the abuse of all that is sacred and good!

Stand up to put down the fire

Stand up to bring to close the chaos

Stand up to what you believe

and be courageous when 'accidentally' the system presses...
on you with the button delete...

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WORLD WATER DAY - THE RIGHT TO QUENCH ONE'S THIRST WITH SAFE DRINKING WATER!

when you have to count your drops of water to survive

you are thirsty - physically

when you cannot voice your need to the authorities

you are thirsty - for freedom

when you are denied the access of safe drinking water

you are thirsty - for your rights

when you are left to die of preventable water-borne diseases

you are thirsty - for justice

when your story remains untold and unheard

you are thirsty - for someone to stand up and plead for your cause and for the cause of the other 1.1 billion people without access to safe drinking water!!!

where shall thou seeketh justice?

indeed many a path leadeth to the truth...where shall i begin?

thou shall seeketh responsibility in the 'wells (oil)' of the rich?
in the lavish lifestyles of corrupted officials?
in the judicial courts serving the ruling clicks?

in the 'dirty hands' of puppet politicians?

or in those who toil for the prosperity of all these?

shall thou sayeth thouest 'cup' is half fulleth or half empty after all?

consider this as a call:

who shall we put as a witness to test what is said?

if they agree to drink from the sewage, (rather than from a bottle)

if they consent with washing in the drainage, (rather than in a proper sink )

if they don't object walking 5 miles to obtain water, (instead of having it delivered)

if it's alright to swallow bits of dirt etc. with the fluid, (instead of minerals, which will nourish)

if it all agrees with you 'most honored',

then sure as the day is, no one shall complain,

but propose a statement to be released, pronto, today:

Let all who are thirsty come drink from the well,

that these 'brothers' of ours so freely will lend

but if for some reason, you all become sick,

or if Fortune has it, that you are deceased,

then a note from a different kind

will surely be posted to say this:

They died believing that they were right,

not quenching the thirsty of the billion in need.

They died disregarding the welfare of all -

defending till the end - their own right and wrong

yet I doubt my fellows,

that any shall dare

to grab a cup and fill it with filth and swear:

that it is safe to draw and to quench

your physical thirst with a 'fresh' filthy sip!

So, for Your story to be heard I say

for Your voice to gain power I proclaim

for Your life to be un-forgotten I state:

THE ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT!

THE ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER IS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT AND EVERY GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING AT LEAST 20 LITRES OF SAFE WATER PER DAY TO EACH PERSON. THESE 20L OF WATER MUST BE FREE FOR THE POOR, ACCESSIBLE AND SECURE!!!

“Access to safe water is a fundamental human need and, therefore, a basic human right. Contaminated water jeopardizes both the physical and social health of all people. It is an affront to human dignity.” — Kofi Annan, prior United Nations Secretary-General

p.s. the photos are from various sites and initiatives for saving water etc.
I made a presentation on the water crisis and its negative impact on the development of impoverished societies, as well as the importance of achieving MDG7, Target3 - "Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation"
for the overall achievement of the MDGs and the sustainable development of all societies. If anyone is interested, please contact me for more info.

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Dealers disguised like Leaders

Leaders are dealers of souls and of lives
Mugabe, Kibaki, they are all in the pack
wolves dressed like sheep
they roam in this world
robbing the welfare of the destitute
disguised and shameless they trade all
for their own prosperity and as they see fit (well)

The church is an accomplice, a terrorist too
with pastors in Armani, driving Benz among their flock
they are the false prophets, the 'good shepherds',
rotten and defiled
conforming with every vice with sinful desire and lust
instead of healing they corrupt
instead of giving they rob

Who is to intercede for the victims of this wrong?
Who is to stand up for the helpless and abused?
Who is to proclaim justice and punish those in charge?

for the sheep have been silenced, muted and crushed
or they are simply lured by small bits of hope and crumbs
they yield to the beatings, they bow to the whips
or shout out their grievances but all is lost in the empty fields...

it's not their agenda, nor it is their choice
it's a life pre-ordained, it's a struggle to survive

is the harvest insufficient?
that some would have abundance while others have none?
or is it the avarice of the 'leaders'?
that brings forth unspoken pain and misfortune to the ill?

Let the heavens judge and the earth obey,
as it's written it shall come to stay
but this remains true:
there is no change, if no one who cares
does anything to prevent
the injustice and untruth
that so awfully prevails!

So, as a word in conclusion
i would dare say
that my humble prayer is
for true leaders to be made
amolded and shaped
not so as conspiring evil and gain,
but as humble servants willing to give and to reign
with just and honest hand their people
for the better today!

"There arose a dispute among the twelve, which of them was reputed to be the greatest. But Jesus said to them, The leaders of the Gentiles lord it over them, and they who exercise authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. On the contrary, let him who is greatest among you become as the least, and him who is chief become as the servant." Luke22:24-26

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An International Essay Contest: “Can Character and Communities Survive in an Age of Globalization?” - an essay for a contest

it's a pity I didn't have time to work on this essay! I think it's a rather interesting topic and it's worth writing about...and the prizes are not bad at all. haha. anyways, next time I will know in advance and prepare better. so far so good :) hope you enjoy. comments are welcome. i will try to polish it later! :)

Ivana Koleva

“The principal dilemma provoked by globalization is inequality” [1] This sentence is derived from the book “Getting Globalization Right: The Dilemmas of Inequality”, in which the authors state that the question that still remains unsolved around the issue of globalization is not whether it should be supported or refuted but how to get it right, “in the sense of making its benefits more available and making them more equitable between countries and within countries” [2] by making a set of policies aimed at solving the existing problems. During the 2007 United Nations Ministerial Conference on ‘Making Globalization Work for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs)’[3], held in Istanbul (Turkey), the participants agreed that the central question and challenge remains how to maximize the gain while minimizing the pain in LDCs . All the parties who were there emphasized that “the current phase of globalization will be judged by whether it is able to transform itself into a vehicle of eradicating poverty, marginalization and inequality, and for promoting sustainable development.” The voices of the people who took part in this conference proclaimed that “This is the imperative of our time. Putting LDCs in the driver’s seat will be a prerequisite for this”[4] .

So, what is the optimal way of achieving this goal? How to make globalization work for the poor as well as the rich? Can it serve as a driving force for the development of all mankind or just a handful of corporations and powerful people? What did globalization bring with it and what are the prospects for its future? Did it undermine character and community or enhance their strength and role?
The answers to these questions can give us a glimpse of the work accomplished and that still unfinished in the process of globalization and will help us assess its influence on communities and character.


After the Cold War, there was a period marked with exhilaration over the victory of democracy and consequently liberal markets and free trade. The ‘Washington consensus’, promoting the liberalization of markets and opening of free trade, despite its positive effects though, eventually proved rather unsuccessful in various countries, often increasing tremendously the inequality gap between the poor and the rich, thus making the rich richer and the poor poorer. These have been referred to as the winners and the losers of globalization. When the prescribed medicine proved to be short of panacea capabilities, the world reconsidered its views on development and its true definition. Through this process of reassessment and redefining, the development concept evolved and transformed from simply meaning economic growth measured in GDP (in the 50’s-60’s), to a more comprehensive definition, acknowledging that development should be essentially used to mean human development and therefore it should encompass areas like health, life longevity, education access etc. This was a revolutionary transformation which led to many subsequent improvements and progress.
In 1987, the concept of sustainable development was put forward officially for the first time in the UN World Commission on Environment and Development, called “Our Common Future” [5]. It was used to mean "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". Nevertheless, it was not until the mid-90’s and especially in the new millennium, that people have started to really understand, appreciate and pursue sustainable development, as a comprehensive, effective and necessary development approach. Before this, multinational corporations (MNCs) benefited largely from the unequal distribution of wealth, served political interests, used ‘sweat shops’ to pursue higher profits and were considered the biggest beneficiaries of the process of globalization. Many people blamed both, governments for their inability to control the MNCs and the corporations themselves, for impoverishing the already destitute people and becoming rich through sacrificing the development of these people.
In these rather uncertain, transitional times, a new phenomenon arose. Of course, it has existed in many forms since the early mission trips across the globe started, but its extent and functions had never been as broad and as distinguished as they have been since the 90’s. This phenomenon is known as ‘community service’ and ‘community-based development’. Despite the various programs the UN and its agencies had launched throughout the years, it was increasingly apparent that the gap between the rich and the poor in many countries is broadening rather than shrinking and it was becoming more difficult to reach the really poor and needy and provide them with the necessary services. Not only this, but, since most ‘third world’ countries were (and some continue to be) under a semi-authoritarian, authoritarian regime and lacked transparency, suffered from chronic corruption and regularly misused the funds they received, therefore, the provision of help was undermined and often, the most destitute never saw the humanitarian aid sent through big agencies.

I first became acquainted with the term ‘community service’ when I arrived in the USA. It was the year 2001 and I was sponsored by Rotary International with a full-year ambassadorial scholarship. The spring of 2002 a bunch of ladies from my college and I went off to Macon, Georgia to participate in a one week spree of constructing 12 houses for a poor neighborhood, with another 300 students from around the US. The experience taught me what it means to belong to a community and to serve a community. The entire community was involved in its own reconstruction (renovation) and everyone was a part of everyone else’s life, committing their time and efforts to assure each other’s wellbeing and better future. This is the principle by which Habitat for Humanity, the organization in holding the event, operates, and it has contributed to the building of thousands of affordable houses around the globe, but even more importantly, it has built communities, which are now better equipped to face the challenges of life. The spirit of belonging to a community truly inspires people to put more efforts, to perform better; it also gives them a sense of belonging and dignity. In the bible Jesus said, ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ [6] and through community service and community building, one can truly learn to love, appreciate and cooperate with his/her neighbor. This is, one of the foundations for sustainable development.

More and more non-profit organizations started working on the ground, establishing grass-root organizations which possessed the knowledge of the specific needs and desires of the given communities and therefore were quite successful in delivering just the right services to the most needy. The bottom-up development approach transformed the landscape of development. In this new landscape, the most important engines of development became the citizens and members of the community, as parts of a whole, not separate parts. They were not to remain passive recipients of aid anymore, but they were to be empowered to realize their full potential and escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

In the beginning of this process of transformation, private enterprises did not play a significant role and were rather isolated, only participating in the development process through seldom charity events and donations. This was largely due to their own wrong perception that no profit could be generated through helping the poorest, and as companies, their goal is to generate as much profit as they can, whilst the role of the government is to provide for the poor. Another obstacle for the active involvement of corporations in the development process was the suspicion with which they were looked upon by skeptics, who believed that nothing good can come out of engaging the ‘profit-generating machines’ in non-profit generating activities. Corporations were often associated with immoral and unethical behavior, mostly comparable with the Karl Marx’s description of capitalism and the monopolists who exploited the working class. Such stories were not rare, especially the evidence of wide-spread use of child labor and ‘sweat shops’ established in various developing countries. At the same time, the belief that many corporations used neocolonial style techniques to strip the raw- material rich countries from their resources and not really bring any development to them, was pervasive [7]. Nevertheless, this was soon to change. First of all, the concept of sustainable development gained ground and prompted many companies to reconsider their activities and especially the impact they have on the environment and on human development. The UN Global Compact Initiative, the world’s largest corporate citizenship and sustainability initiative, was established. The companies participating in this initiative, have to adhere to the ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption [8] . These principles have served to assure the important role that private enterprises have come to play in the process of development and globalization. The principle of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) also became popular and is increasingly becoming imperative for companies to adopt as part of their core programs. People demand transparency and accountability from companies and it is increasingly becoming a common knowledge that the role of private enterprises and businesses, in general, in achieving the common goals of humankind for development is crucial. CSR does not simply imply charity events and donations, but a transformation of the core values of private enterprises, working together with all other international and local actors to establish a society based on the principle of sustainable development.
A development that brought all actors on the international stage together is the so-called ‘international community’ phenomenon. This concept has gained much interest and attention in the last decade and it is increasingly believed that an international community is arising, which shares common goals and ideas, and which, united, can achieve much progress and development.
In the year 2000, during the Millennium Summit, the UN General Assembly adopted the “Millennium Declaration”, focusing on the essential principles of sustainable development that all countries should adhere to. Following the adoption of the declaration, the international community, including governments, government-based organizations, non-government organizations etc. actors, all agreed upon eight common development goals, later known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which have to be achieved by the year 2015 [9]. These common goals have urges and stimulated the entire international community to unite efforts in the fight against poverty, inequality, and towards justice, peace, and sustainable development. Goal number 8 recognizes the significant role that the economy and especially free markets, play in enhancing the development of the least developed countries. Some of its targets include more cooperation with the private sector in bringing new technologies to the poor and increasing their opportunities for more fair access to markets.
Since the adoption of the MDGs by the international community, a multitude of different efforts, varying in scope and success, have been launched to assure the achievement of the goals. One of the key features of these efforts has been the active participation of the local communities and their empowerment. Despite the definite need of the state to create and implement pro-poor development policies, like poverty reduction plans etc., the need for bottom-up development approach has become more and more widely accepted. It is exactly there that a new kind of economic activity has spread and has born many fruits. Microfinance. In the past, private enterprises, banks, etc. considered microfinancing, especially microfinancing targeted towards the poorest, a waste of time and resources, since it was believed that these people cannot benefit from it, cannot generate profit, and cannot operate efficiently. Therefore, often times, companies and other donors preferred to send aid, rather than to invest in equipping the poor communities with entrepreneurship skills. Nevertheless, this time has passed and “to date, a successful microfinance industry has been built that is effective in reaching millions of poor people, in providing them with financial services, and in reducing their poverty”[10]. Even though “like many other development tools [microfinance] has insufficiently penetrated the poorer strata of society”[11] , in recent years more and more emphasis is put on the improvement of the services of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to ensure their successful outreach to the most underprivileged communities and people. MFIs have been instrumental in empowering entire communities, especially women, previously denied the right to perform economic activity. The importance of entrepreneurship has been widely acknowledged as a rather optimal choice for development. One of the recent examples of a leader in great favor of promoting empowerment of the communities through entrepreneurship is the Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, who has put forward an ambitious plan to transform its country into an entrepreneurship society.

What is, after all, the link between globalization, community and character? In recent years, globalization, defined as the rising global civic community, involved in the building of a better future for all, fighting for the eradication of extreme poverty and striving to bring equality and justice to all communities, has been instrumental in empowering local communities and bringing the benefits of the process to the poorest. The catch phrase “Think globally, act locally” is not simply a phrase anymore, it is reality. It is the way forward, the right development approach which builds active and socially responsible citizens, aware of the problems of their communities and involved in solving these problems! Therefore, globalization has the potential to bring up a new generation of global citizens, who think both globally and locally, as well, as contribute to the development of even the most impoverished communities.

The pursuit of human development, and not just blind economic growth has become the core goal of the international community. It is true that globalization has contributed greatly toward the increased levels of inequality present in the world now, but globalization is also the key to solving this problem, and delivering a better future to all.
The key to the success in the fight against poverty is for communities, enterprises, governments, NGOs etc. members of the international community to unite efforts and meet the challenges and opportunities together. United, their unique contributions of funding, technical skills, know-how or strategy are able to bring about tangible, positive and lasting change in the world.

Can character and communities survive in an age of globalization then? Yes. Even more so than before, because communities have started to arise, to unite, to be empowered and to seek their own well-being, while globalization has the potential to equip them with the necessary tools to reach their goals faster, more efficiently. People’s mind-sets have started to transform as well, and from being self-centered and seeking their own good alone, they have began to realize the great joy and harmony that exist in sharing responsibilities and benefits. Now, this is a major shift in character! Globalization has lured us with prospects for quick success and development, but here and now, we have the chance to experience a different aspect of its multi-faceted nature. Globalization has stirred the passion and desire in communities and individuals to unite and act together, to fight and achieve together, to become confident and responsible citizens, whose aim is to make their backyard, neighborhood, village, town, country and ultimately the world a better, more just and more equal place! All that is needed is enough will and faith in the power that arises when people are willing to put aside their differences and focus their strengths, talents, and resources on achieving their common goals!
[1] Tulchin S. Joseph, Gary Bland ed., Getting Globalization Right – the Dilemmas of Inequality, (Lynne Rienner Publishers, Boulder London), 2005, p.2

[2] Ibid, 2

[3] The United Nations Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries, ‘Making Globalization Work for the LDCs’, Turkey, 2007

[4] Ibid, 5

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Common_Future

[6] Bible, NIV, Rom.13:9

[7] Moon Jeremy, The Contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility to Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development, 15, 206-306 (2007) (accessed through Wiley InterScience, www.interscience.wiley.com)

[8] http://www.unglobalcompact.org/AboutTheGC/index.html

[9] http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/

[10] Daley-Harris Sam ed., Pathways out of Poverty, Kumarian Press, Inc, 2002, p.4

[11] Ibid, 5


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SEVEN Fund Student Essay Competition - Turning President Kagame's Vision into Practice

"Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keeps the law, happy is he" Prov.29:18

This is an essay I submitted for a competition organized by Seven Fund www.sevenfund.org. We had to take the role of president Kagame's main policy adviser and design a policy action plan to turn his vision for the country into practice. He believes that the advancement and development of entrepreneurship should be the main engine for sustainable development and only through this development approach the full potential of the Rwandan people can be realized!
Here is the essay. I welcome and comments, suggestions and opinions.
Due to the lack of time (I got to know about it just a few days ago), my preparation wasn't as extensive, as I would like it to be, but this is at least an initial step.
Enjoy reading! :)



Your Excellency Mr. President Kagame,

In the light of our discussions on the specific policies which Rwanda needs to undertake in order to achieve the goals set in 'Vision 2020' and the Millennium Development Goals, as well as the goals set in the EDPRS (Economic Development Poverty Reduction Strategy) 2008-2012, I have designed the following 24-point policy plan. It was created to cover extensively the top priorities set by you as stated on various occasions. Their focus is unquestionably the development and expansion of the private sector with strong emphasis on entrepreneurship development. These policies do not aim to encompass all possible approaches to achieving the goals, but they are comprehensible enough to grasp some of the key areas of focus in the process. An important feature is the goal for innovation and diversification of options in the process of development.

Our core goal is the eradication of extreme poverty and provision of opportunities for all Rwandan people to develop their full potential and live better, more sustainable lives. The way forward to make this goal a reality constitutes of several important steps, which all aim to empower the disadvantaged and underprivileged groups of society. The first set of policies targets the strengthening and improvement of microfinance within Rwanda, and the second set of policies acknowledges various challenges and opportunities in the development process and maps out ways to overcome the challenges and utilize the opportunities presented to our country.

Our government recognizes the challenge to find feasible development options that take into account the specific realities of Rwanda and in particular the scarcity of skilled labor, lack of basic infrastructure and very low levels of FDI. In order to overcome these challenges, we need to emphasize the central role that microfinance institutions (MFIs) should play in all our efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. MFIs have already proved their efficiency in alleviating poverty and providing opportunities for development, especially to the poorest. There are several aspects in which the government can play an active role in further enhancing their role and facilitating their actions:


1. We need to continue pursuing a strongly pro-poor oriented economic policy and recognize the key role of microfinance services in tackling poverty.
2. We need to continue to encourage MFIs to design poverty-focused microfinance models which will deliver appropriate financial and non-financial products to the most needy. The government can facilitate the provision of some of these services. In order for this to happen, MFIs operating around Rwanda need to have direct connection with the government to inquire information or any other necessary assistance. Therefore, we need to assign a special position within the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Cooperatives (MCIIPTC) to facilitate the connection and coordinate actions.

3. The government needs to implement solid macroeconomic policies, avoiding high inflation. It is also advisable that it liberalizes the interest rates for microfinance, using competition rather than interest rate ceilings to encourage efficiency and lower interest rates over time.

4. It should also undertake the promotion of performance indicators and standards that encourage transparency and sound performance across the range of institutions engaged in microfinance. This will be accomplished through the establishment of a specialized microfinance rating agency. Simple and rigorous reporting requirements must be set.

5. In order to help MFIs overcome the difficulties they face in achieving financial sustainability, we need to recognize that microfinance is a vital part of the financial system and to get more involved by deploying the government’s financial service infrastructures in a way increasingly intended to meet the demand of most citizens. We need to assure the integration of MFIs into domestic financial markets. We can permit the regulated MFIs that meet prudential standards to mobilize deposits from the public, with more liberal treatment of savings mobilization from MFI borrowers.

6. Another useful measurement can be fair tax treatment, including temporary tax incentives for MFIs undertaking the costs of converting to formal, regulated structures.

7. The government is also responsible for making the public familiar with the way MFIs operate and explain to them the reasons for the higher interest rates for micro-loans in comparison with those for corporate finance.

8. Information and communication technology is the key to facilitating and expanding the scope and breadth of MFIs and their overall impact on poverty alleviation as well as the overall long-term development of the country. In this respect, the government should encourage and invest in providing the technological tools necessary to improve the management of microfinance projects. The most feasible choice will be enhanced technological transfer from donor countries, especially China. We also need to ensure, by monitoring and directing the technological assistance, that it reaches the most vulnerable and destitute. Therefore, close contact with MFIs working on the ground is essential.

9. Special attention must be turned to the needs of women and other vulnerable groups, like orphans or disabled people. Only by acknowledging their specific needs and potential, can Rwanda meet its MDG goals and develop in a sustainable manner. Women’s political empowerment in Rwanda has become a landmark of its development and pioneer spirit, but much more effort needs to be put in empowering women economically. The threat of the ‘feminization of poverty’ in Rwanda is evident. The marginalization of orphans and other disadvantaged groups from the development process is also apparent. Therefore, the government must take measures to transform this disastrous trend. MFIs are especially effective in targeting disadvantaged groups but more effort is needed to ensure the accessibility of micro-credits to women and orphans and their ability to fully benefit from these credits. The government needs to cooperate with MFIs to ensure this. We must take the initiative to gather information on women’s needs and design products specifically to meet those needs. We must ensure that women and women’s perspectives are brought into the governance, management, and implementation of microfinance programs.

The government’s main priority has to be investment in information and communication technologies, thus leading Rwanda towards becoming a knowledge-based economy. We will need the help of partners and great efforts on our side to succeed. But with the right policies in place, this is by no means an unachievable goal. These policies should be designed to tackle the most pressing issues impending Rwanda from achieving rapid and sustainable development. These include lack of skilled labor, lack of infrastructure, especially transport, lack of sustainable energy and lack of technology. Therefore:

10. The government needs to prioritize national policies to build productive capacity in the national development plans, for infrastructure as well as vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

11. To improve the efficiency of tax systems and collection to maximize the contribution of domestic resources to public investment.

12. We must vigorously pursue to attract more investment, both ODA and FDI. The government must turn special attention to China as a source for technological transfer (ICT) and as an infrastructure investor. Rwanda-China relations must be strengthened. Rwanda must continue the current educational exchange program with China which provides technology-related training courses to Rwandan students, who in return need to serve work in Rwanda. It needs to find more partners willing to invest in the development of productive capacities, including productive resources, technological development and innovation in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, entrepreneurial capabilities and production linkages, and related resources, especially infrastructure and institutions. In this respect, China and other significant partners can play an even more major role and bring know-how, provide the necessary funds to stimulate research and development and investment in education (not only primary, but also secondary and tertiary)! To facilitate this process, we must design an attractive plan to attract China and other partners.

13. In this respect, investment in sustainable energy sources is essential for the overall development. We must define national energy access goals and targets in our macro-development strategies, policies and programs, and estimate the costs to meet the targets. Such clear policies will invite investment into the field. Tax incentives to support the deployment of modern energy technologies will be crucial. We need to reform subsidies to support sustainable development and offer loan guarantees to SMEs building energy businesses in Rwanda. Training and cooperation with other partners must be a priority for building capacity and attracting investment.

14. Public-private partnerships that assist farmers with access to credit, technical assistance, c capacity building, marketing information and crop and product diversification must be established and encouraged. We should also encourage joint research initiatives in different areas, both within the region or internationally and stimulate regional technological sharing.

15. Rwanda needs to extensively research and map out its industries with strong comparative advantages. New industries with the potential to have comparative advantages must be acknowledged and developed in order to stimulate economic diversification.

16. Promoting a green revolution in basic staples should be a priority for the government and we need to persuade partners and donors to share more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies with us.

17. To transform Rwanda into an entrepreneurship country, we need to take a step away from the social welfare and subsidy approach, which doesn’t create a knowledge-based economy. The government needs to remove itself from direct lending to poor people and instead, invest in delivering more training-related services to them, thus empowering them.

18. One way to deliver training and create a favorable environment for research can be the establishment of co-joint workshop training centers, which will be equipped and managed by both Rwandan and Chinese (or others). These centers will provide entrepreneurial skills training with the possibility for connection with MFIs, as well as help for existing small and informal activities to be transformed into organized small-scale enterprises, which will have a greater potential to develop technological capabilities and innovate. We must allocate a greater budget for research and development.

19. Our government needs to encourage and stimulate innovation (in microfinance and economic diversification), which will be the key to any efforts to enhance the economic performance of the country and ensure its long-term sustainable development. In order for this to happen, the government has to ensure the strengthening of the capabilities of entrepreneurs (management and organization) and the labor force (crafts and technical skills, design and engineering skills) as well as the provision of certain financial incentives to stimulate these ( e.g. credit subsidies, tax incentives, and matching grants for innovation projects).

20. We need to explore the great opportunities presented by the so-called “creative economy”. It refers to the interface among creativity, culture, economics and technology, as expressed in the ability to create and circulate intellectual capital, which in turn has the potential to generate income, jobs and export earnings while at the same time promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development.

21. In order to achieve this, we should undertake various initiatives. First, establish a body in charge of mapping inventors of cultural assets and industries, market development through promotion of the creative industries both domestically and internationally, outlining the challenges that inventors and artists face (e.g. lack of financial sustainability, low competitiveness) and finding creative ways to overcome them. Value chain analysis must be used to identify the creative products and services with particular competitive advantages or that are capable of being developed as niche markets in particular situations. The body will be assigned with the task of developing strategies for expanding the scope of creative industries and identifying the strong areas of Rwanda. It will be responsible for establishing workshop centers (both in urban and rural areas) where more people will have the chance to undergo training and become employed in one of the industries. This should be a joint effort of the government (Ministry of CIIPTC), private businesses, NGOs (especially MFIs), international donors and civil society.

22. To facilitate this process, we need to take urgent measures and press for the establishment of copyright legislation and enforcement, which in turn will ensure the artists' intellectual property protection, benefits and earnings. Another possible way to stimulate artists will be by supporting them directly (via fiscal means) or indirectly (through encouragement of private-sector support). The expansion of digital capacity and know-how, as well as data collection and institutional building will be important parts of the process as well.

23. The development of creative industries will facilitate the process of full integration and empowerment of the vulnerable groups discussed in point 9.

24. A database with illustrative cases, best practices, and even lessons from failed projects, both in microfinance and creative economy etc., must be compiled by the government in cooperation with NGOs etc. to serve as guidelines for action.

I sincerely hope that Your Excellency will be content with the outlined policy action plan. I will be more than happy to further discuss any questions or comments that you might raise. I believe that our united efforts will bring Your vision for this nation into practice and that Rwanda will reap the fruits from its hard work!

With respect,

Ivana Koleva, Policy Advisor

06.12.2008

Kigali, Rwanda



References:

1. “Making Globalization Work for the Least Developed Countries”, UNDP 2008.
2. Sam Daley-Harris, “Pathways out of Poverty”, Kumarian Press Inc., 2002.
3. “Creative Economy Report 2008”, UNDP, UNCTAD, 2008.
4. MDG report Rwanda, 2007.
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A little Drop in the vast Ocean

Don't give on your hope for change
just because you think
you are a a mere drop in the vast ocean we live.

if you Are a drop, with ideals and faith
and i am a drop, with enthusiasm and vigor
and then He and She, and eventually We
all become drops each uniquely equipped and united,
ready to act...
then the ocean, my friend, will become all the more,
filled with sweet fragrance, with peace, love and freedom for ALL!

Don't let the waves (of man's evil)
sweep away your dreams or ideals

Don't let NOone (for Any reason)
stomp on your beliefs or values
(just because they are hard to believe/achieve)
God will help us!

But rise above all earthly evil, greed, and false
and ride the waves of change
and guide the winds to progress and peace!

You have the power, you little drop that falls in the perfect place~!


Jesus said: " EVERYTHING is possible for him who BELIEVES!" Mark9:23

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Real Life Survivors vs. entertainment 'survivors'

it's early in the morning. i wake up, take a long hot shower, prepare my coffee, take a glass of water, put my clothes in the laundry...and get to work...the day is busy, i run the errands, chat with friends, manage my finances, eat, shop, cook, clean...etc, till it's time to relax. but first: 'It's been a tiring day', 'money is not enough', 'life is too hard', 'life is unfair', 'i'm so unlucky'...sounds familiar?

our lives have become so facilitated by all kinds of gadgets and amenities, yet instead of being simplified, they have become way too complicated (and meaningless). now, we (by 'we' i mean that percentage of the world's population which actually has access and enjoys fully this so-called 'modern life') don't try to survive and live day for day, scarcely meeting ends...no,we don't. and we don't know what it means to see your kids die because you couldn't provide for them, no, we don't. we don't comprehend the struggles and the human will to Survive, to Live, to Be, because we've been given a chance by birth (or so).

So, instead, we resort to more sophisticated ways of understanding the grudges, the hardships and 'tricks' of survival...entertainment.

Shows like 'Survivor' have become so popular all over the world. We admire the men and women who push themselves to extremes to 'survive'...and eventually win a million dollars or so...ye, but survivor is nothing like that! ...anyway, who wants to know. it's enough to see a few photos of starving children on the news, hear about hundreds of thousands of people 'displaced' (one might not even understand it well)...that exhausts our engagement in World Affairs, which are for politicians to solve... and then we can switch back to our Entertainment channel.

I'm not against entertainment in general. i suppose it is beneficial in some ways, enriching our lives or just helping us relax, but these particular forms of entertainment have exposed and perverted some of human's most honourable qualities, like will power, determination, vigour, courage etc. What do these shows encourage and inspire us for? Seeing how far a man can be pushed, the limits of his/her strength, will, hope? But it's all fake...because no one will be willing to do these things if there were no incentives. So, then, is this kind of show really displaying the heights of human courage and will power...or the depth of his/her desire to attain the prize (simply the greed for money)? I guess stimulation is not a bad thing, it is indeed necessary, since humans operate better when they are given a carrot, rather than nothing...but we are missing the point.

If you look closer in the news next time, and instead of ignoring or avoiding the faces of the displaced, the refugees, the starved, the underprivileged, the sick, and the weak...you will not see losers, but real life Survivors, heroes who have fought more battles than soldiers in wars have! Then you will be moved!
It is these people who aspire admiration and honour, the ones who Never give up, who strive to Survive on a daily basis...whose courage is beyond our understanding. These are the Survivors of this world. And this is NOT entertainment!

Don't encourage shows like 'Big Brother', which deprives people from growing and only engages them in meaningless gossip and trivial stories. Don't encourage shows like the World's Eating competition, during which, tons of food is wasted and which, despite all the food being devoured, leaves your mind and soul empty. Don't encourage shows like 'Survivor', or even 'Fear Factor', which despite being quite amusing and exciting, only prove the ultimate power of money to control people, to push them to do...just about anything.

When you wake up tomorrow, let your first words be of giving thanks, for just how blessed you truly are, and let your life not be 'devoured' by the media, 'consumed' by the multi-million corporations, but let it be moved and transformed by the stories of those to whom heaven belongs...the real survivors of this world. Jesus said,

" Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was in prison and you came to visit me....

'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me...' Matt.25:31-46

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Is Peace just a delusion or an arm-stretch away shore?

Inequalities, Regulations
Incentives and Ratios
International crisis and global response
constipation
Contradictions, world puzzles
Paradigms and Dilemmas,
Paradoxes and Distortions
Truth is False
and
Falsehood True
how come 1+1 still equals 2?

should we live in a cave (of ignorance)
like Plato's heroes do?

***

Justice or Order,
what's on your mind?
again in opposition,
it's - Either / Or
Peace or War -
mutually destroyed?
can Man reconcile
the Self-interest and that of All?

***

Lots are distributed
stocks piled up
flows of money come and go
yet the bottom is lied down
with bodies of the invisible
and the unknown...

***

step on them! close your eyes!
it's clear, you've chosen your path
demise and lethal end are on the way...
but who will dare take a different path
(and be doomed wrong) ...anyway...

***

put down the guns, raise up the flags
is Peace an oasis (delusion)? or an arm stretch-away shore?

...how would you know...if you don't stretch your own?

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the world of the MANY and the world of the FEW - the reign of INequality

The Many build the houses
the Few live in them

The Many grow the crops
the Few enjoy the meals

The Many supply the water
the fews' thirst is quenched

The Many mine precious stones
the few wear diamond necklaces

The Many manufacture clothes
the Few wear them and show off

The Many die in pursuit of freedom
the Few are born free

The Many cut their trees
the Few read books and have green fields

The Many gather the fruits
the Few drink fresh coffee in Starbucks

The Many fight for peace
the Few enjoy it

The Many are slaves
the Few are masters

The Many are sold in sex trade
the Few have choice to become what they want

The Many are invisible
the Few are famous

The Many are life survivors
the Few are film heroes (stars)

The Many are being tortured
the Few are pampered

The Many die before turning 5
the Few live long after 75

The Many thirst for knowledge
the Few go to university

The Many are sick
the Few have access to doctors and pills

The Many live with less than a dollar a day
the Few fill a bag of money on a shopping day

The Many bury their dreams and beloved ones
the Few enjoy their 'dreams come true'

The Many's voice is silenced
the Few's is loud and clear

is our world distinctively divided into 'the Many' and the 'Few'?
are we two distinct breeds?
are we from different planets?
can there ever be reconciliation, or is it like mixing oil and water in a cup?

we wish to see a world where it Matters who You are simply because You are a Human Being, a child of God, a Person, woman, man, young or old.
but we live in a wolrd in which it Matters, in various degrees, who You are and what life you will lead by the color of your skin,
by the place you were born,
by the culture you are in,
by the passport you will have,
by the groups that you belong,
by the people you will know,
by the money you have got,
by the clothes that you can buy and
by the things you can consume,
by the words you can pronounce and
by the schools you will enjoy...it depends...it matters really, can it ever be any different really?

It can...Jesus said...

"Blessed are you who are poor,
for YOURS is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of man.

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

"But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets."

Luke6: 20-26

So, hold on, you who are last...because he said "The last shall be First and the first shall be last" Matt.20:16

as for equality...is it a matter of heaven?.. and not earth?..not this earth?..or at least not now?...

still, it isn't to say we should give up on hope of improvement, on hope of reducing the Many and increasing the Few...on making the scales close to even, even if it costs us our lives...We will do!

all we need is voices from the Few who are willing to speak for the Many,
we need few of the Few to open their eyes and become aware, and try to change the' formula' of our world,
so that the two (the Many and the Few) become compatible and fair.

So, if you are from the Few today, the Few who have a home, a meal, clean water, school and all kinds of amenities to enjoy every day,
Challenge your Self to look deeper into yourself and try to see this Self in a mirror that portrays you as if you belonged to the Many...and you will never be the same again...i am also doing this, by the way!

There need not be first and last, there need not be race in life...if we can see through God's eyes...and embrace everything with love..just as it comes.
not judge, not discriminate,
not greed, not rush,
not flush love, or buy guns,
not make war, not live to Have but to Give,
not live to be recognized, but turn into reality somebody's dreams,
not for the Self, not for the Things, not for the Stuff, the Money, the Stage, the Fame
but for the Many, for the Love, the Truth, the Hope, the Treasures of heaven...
not for Me but for You...

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The Fall and Rise of Human civilization (Redemption possible?)

Misery.Death.Drought.Pain...
Tsunamis. Earthquakes. Tornadoes. Torrent Rains...
Castes. Races. Ethnicity. Colour. Shape
Slaves. Segregated. Marginalized. Malnourished. Famished. Killed.
(curtains)

They are over the hill, in a faraway land.
Here, the waters are serene, the winds gentle, the pastures green
...here people don't fear (dare) to dream.

Two parallel universes within
a crooked, twisted, Broken world.

But we are all in a gas camera now,
for we are the victims of our own perpetrator (civilization)
unsuspecting, unprepared and unaware
of the genocide we bestowed upon ourselves, brought by our own wrath!

'They' will press the button of Modernization and
we (like obedient machine elements) will applaud and cheer
Prosperity and Progress with a dedicated conviction... that we Develop
only to discover the fanfare and fireworks will last but a minute...
till the 'gas' of self-destruction starts sneaking through the cracks in our thin walls,
over the hills and deep in the valley till...it makes us all choke to ultimate death.

Globalized and Interdependent - Helas!
Finally we will share something in common - North, South, developed, underdeveloped, least developed, less developed, in war, in peace, emerging, and submerging, rogue states, super powers, terrorists and peacekeepers, rebels and dictators...
...today we will share in our Common Humanity's Death!

Will there be tribunals to punish these 'crimes against humanity'?
Who is the guilty Perpetrator, the instigator of this fall?
Who, then is the Bystander, who is also to be blamed?
and who, if any, is the Victim in this wicked game?
Whose humanity? whose justice do we pursue?

we reach out to others just to get and not give
or when we give, it's so that later we'll have 'legal' ground to suppress and demand
for our gain (IMF) what actually they urgently need.

It's an eye for an eye, day after day,
is it our Civilization to blame?
Politicians crawl like snakes
Statesmen have become an extinct breed
Money strangles whoever tries to breathe
and 'robs' us from the so called 'humanity'

Grieve, all there is in this world is grieve!

Show me someone willing to stand in this disaster and
make a step to relieve a soul
Show me someone faith-full and brave
eager to remove the roots of this evil, of these lies, of this eternal vice!

Here I am - said the servant of the Lord -
i stretch out my hand-
to feed one hungry soul
to comfort one broken (lonely) heart
to quench one thirsty mouth
to bring one child's smile.
Here I am - use me...Lord!

We live in a modern sci-fi movie
all robotized, automatic and groovy
everyone's electronically up-to-date
but emotionally a total wreck!!!
Whoever 'genetically modified' this chip
omitted to include or intentionally removed...
simple functions like discerning right from wrong,
evil from good,
lies from truth,
build from destroy,
love from hate,
create from kill.

Lift up your eyes to the hills, can you see hope?
Go over and say, is there any living soul?
Dig up a well in this barren land,
an oasis of truth and hope to wash away all the fault,
to cleanse the guilt, the sorrow, the pain,
and please, oh, please, sprinkle
these electronically modified bodies with the breath of life (humanity) Again!
will you?


We are Free Slaves of our machines
corrupt judges, abusive parents, negligent teachers, absurd creatures
racist citizens, false friends, unforgiving neighbours, rotten souls...

We are Slaves of a-freedom (mis-freedom)
freedom to do wrong, to be bad, to think, act, speak falsely and walk away
without guilt of any sort...

We have Enslaved Freedom
Exploited Good
Tortured Justice
Molested Love
Poisoned Truth
Drowned Hope
Extinguished Peace
and... Buried our grain of Faith...


We 'develop' and 'succeed':
trade Wisdom for Folly
trade Peace for Money
trade Bread for Bombs
and the economy works

trade Love for Sex
Eternal for Ephemeral
Joy for Pleasure
Dreams for Delusions
Morals for Positions
Friends for Connections
and ultimately... the Choice to live for Chains for life!


Wake up, o, hills of Jerusalem,
wake up, o, you, people of God
How long till you feel responsible?
How long will you stay back?

You asked for the nations and here they are -
child soldiers, wounded, tortured, mothers in labour, raped, murdered, sick ones, little ones...all in need of True Love

You asked for wisdom and here it is :
if you save one of this souls, you will most certainly Live!

You asked for redemption,
Here I am - I died on the Cross, for your filthy sin!

Awake and Arise! and Shine on this barren land
for the Lord will again, make the hills blossom, the pastures green!
Let all who believe gather today,
the Lord has proclaimed from now on :


Love will eternally reign!!!
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