We Day 2009

Imagine, 16,00 leaders of the next generation, gathering nationally at one spot, ready for world change. Cheering, and screaming, as inspiring speakers speak, and amazing performers perform.On October 5, 2009, students and teachers all around Toronto gathered at the Air Canada Centre to hear many touching speeches about child labour and poverty in the third world countries. There were many inspirational speakers sharing there experiences with the world, all with one important message: One person can make a big difference in the world. Don't believe it? Well, look back 15 years ago. One boy saw an article in the newspaper, about a 12 year old slave, who was murdered in Africa for speaking up for his freedom. THE boy who read this devastating story decided that something must be done, so he took matter to his own hands. This boy, was Craig Keilburger. The next day, he spread the news and started a small group called Free The Children. This initiated a worldwide organization, helping children in the developing countries get a proper education, with clean water to drink.

This year, about 30 students from SAM were chosen to go and participate in We Day 2009. This meaningful conference was kicked off by the extraordinary, one and only, Craig and Marc Keilburger.They raised awareness of child labour and poverty with one saying, "WE are the generation"
This certainly brought everyone's attention forward. Other inspiring speakers such as Elie Wisel (author of Night, Holocaust survivor), Paul Martin (former prime minister), John Tory (conservative party), Mia Farrow (actress, humanitarian, leading Darfur activist) and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.(environmentalist, author). Many more amazing world changers followed. Many of them had heart changing stories. Sad stories of what they had gone through, and what we can do to stop it from happening, like child labourers. The world does need a few more things however, as Spencer West said, "I think the world needs a lot of laughter. There isn't enough." Occasionally, there were special performances. One of the crowd pleasers were Justin Bieber singing "One Time" and Hedley singing "Cha-Ching". There was a special guest performance by the Jonas Brothers. That certainly raised the level of enthusiasm.

After hearing these inspiring speeches, we felt that each of us are important and has the power to make a difference in the world. If all of us come together, imagine what the impact on the world would be, so it all starts at SAM. Think about the people living in the third-world countries, like Africa. They have to walk kilometers just to fill 2 buckets of fresh water, and look at us. We just turn on the tap and "voila" out comes water. We are lucky, yet most people do not realize that and do not appreciate our access to water, and we think that is unfair to the people living in poverty. So the next time you leave the tap on or take a long shower, think about them, and rethink about what you are doing.

-Phoebe and Tina