Student Action

Iqbal Masih and the students he inspired to take action are each examples of the power children have to bring about change. Like the kids in the video, I'm sure you've all heard that "children are to be seen and not heard." Sometimes people don't value ideas and opinions coming from kids just because it's coming from kids. But that shouldn't stop you from acting on your beliefs.

This week we wanted to inspire you. We wanted you to be motivated to learn about the conditions of living children around the world face. By studying the Millennium Development Goals, we will explore the state of the world's children. We begin by explaining just what the MDGs are, and by outlining each of the goals which we will delve further into in the coming weeks.

What are the Millennium Development Goals? In 2000, world leaders met at the United Nations in New York to talk about the future. Hoping to achieve continued prosperity and to extend the benefits of economic growth to developing countries struggling with poverty, conflict and environmental degradation, the leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals. If achieved, the eight goals outlined below will secure a vibrant and healthy future for children by removing many of the major obstacles to economic development.

1. End extreme poverty and hunger
   
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
   
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Establish a global partnership for development

How do you think problems like poverty, lack of education and proper healthcare prevent countries from growing economically? All of these goals are necessary for shared prosperity and growth, but which one would you argue is most important to tackle? Why? Which problems directly affect your community (Atlanta/ the metro area)? How could we, as a school, take action to help achieve this goal? For ideas, go here (or here) and download the guide at the bottom of the page. Make sure your ideas are practical -- they are actions we can actually do within the next few months -- and are inexpensive.