June 29, 2009

My Journey to South Africa – What a Country!

Hello again from South Africa.  Last week, I had the privilege of meeting Nelson Mandela.  This week, I had the further privilege of meeting a celebrated activist who for decades was at the forefront of the struggle for equality, human rights and democracy in South Africa.
 
I met personally with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Cape Town.
 
It was incredible.  I was most impressed with his intelligence and generosity.  I was also surprised by his youthfulness and sense of humour.  He was so funny!  It’s amazing that a person who has led a life of struggle against tyranny and oppression can always look on the bright side of life and be so positive.
 
To be totally honest, the meeting was never supposed to take place.  I was told that he was out of the country at the time I was in South Africa.  But at the last minute, we received a call from the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre in Cape Town and were told he would be available.  The fact that he took time out of his very busy schedule to meet with me illustrates what he is willing to do for young people throughout the world. 
 
Mr. Tutu has authored dozens of books and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of peace, persons living with HIV/AIDS, women’s rights and underprivileged children all over the world.  We had the chance to discuss some very important issues, and he gave me a autographed copy of this new book.  Likewise, I had the pleasure of giving him my new book, Making Change. 
 
I also journeyed into the eastern part of the country and the town of Hoedspruit, where I went on safari at the Tshutuku Lodge.  I had the opportunity to see African lions and cheetahs close up.  Thankfully, they were raised in captivity and so weren’t a danger.  I would never dare do such a thing out in the wild!
 
I also loved meeting the people of the region, who are so warm and friendly.  I met an incredible dance group that performs traditional African songs and visited several schools and spoke with students about a variety of topics.  I hoped they learned a few things from me, because I certainly learned a lot from them.
 
South Africa has such a vibrant culture and history.  The new generation of young people have so much hope for the future, in the same way that Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu did when they were young.  So much has been accomplished, but youth in South Africa understand that more has to be done.  Working together, we can do so.
 
Young people today will never know the old South Africa, but they will soon be the masters of the new one.  It was an honour to experience it first hand. 
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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June 19, 2009

Meeting Nelson Mandela

 
Greetings from South Africa.  This week, I had the privilege of meeting the most celebrated person in the world today, one who showed us all that when people work together, they can overcome even the greatest of struggles and change society forever.
 
On June 17, 2009, I met personally with Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa.
 
My mother was there with me and was pretty nervous, which is understandable.  I think I was more excited than anything else!
 
What an honour it was.  I had the opportunity to discuss some of my initiatives I will be starting over the next year, and I had the chance to ask him some very important questions on how we can better enable and prepare young people to get more involved in creating a more peaceful and harmonious world. 
 
Mr. Mandela is the world’s most influential advocates for peace, social justice and freedom.  Born in 1918, he became active in politics at a young age and joined the African National Congress (ANC). Because of his struggle for democracy in South Africa, he was arrested by the government and sent to prison in 1962.
 
After years of economic sanctions against the country and protest by human rights organizations, Mandela was finally released in 1990 and ran in South African’s first free and democratic elections in 1994, which he and the ANC won in a landslide.  Mandela was President until 1999, and supported a program of reconciliation which helped South Africa become the multi-racial society it is today.
 
Mr. Mandela has received over 100 awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and continues to be considered the world’s leading statesman on the issues of peace and human rights.
 
Meeting Nelson Mandela was an experience I will never forget, one that I will take with me and talk about with my children and grandchildren one day, far into the future.
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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May 28, 2009

Celebrate Peace Tree Day this June 1st

I want to talk about an important annual event taking place this June 1st.  Peace Tree Day is a festival for children and families of every faith and culture to celebrate peace and diversity.  It was founded by filmmaker Mitra Sen, the director of the award-winning film The Peace Tree, which tells the story of two young girls, one Muslim and the other Christian, who dream about celebrating each other’s festivals, Eid and Christmas.
 
In 2006, Mayor David Miller proclaimed June 1st as Peace Tree Day in the city of Toronto. In addition, Vaughan, Windsor, Markham, Richmond Hill, York and countless other regions throughout Canada have organized celebrations.
 
Mahatma Gandhi once wrote that “it is the duty of every cultured man or woman to read sympathetically the scriptures of the world.  If we are to respect others’ religions as we would have them respect our own, a friendly study of the world’s religions is a sacred duty.”
 
Peace Tree Day allows us to do just that.  And although we are celebrating our diversity, we are also learning how much we really are alike as well.  I was asked by the York Regional Police Force to take part in the festivities this June 1st, and I am honoured to do so. 
 
That day, children from all over the world will create Peace Trees that highlight symbols from all cultures and faiths onto one tree to reflect the beauty of “diversity in unity.”  Peace Tree Day will also be celebrated in organizations, hospitals, classrooms, homes and school boards everywhere.
 
Looking at the global situation, what we need more of, now more than ever before, is a better understanding of other cultures and religious faiths.  An important figure from history who understands the opposite of this all too well – Anne Frank – once wrote in her diary: “We all live with the objective of being happy.  Our lives are all different – and yet the same.” 
 
What she meant, of course, is that although we may come from different backgrounds, we all still live on the same planet, we all care for our families, friends and loved ones, and we all want to leave the world a better place for our children.  That is what Peace Tree Day is all about. I hope you have the chance to celebrate the event this June 1st.
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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May 20, 2009

Shave Your Lid to Help a Kid

I want to talk about two very special brothers from Toronto, Ontario who are raising funds to help kids in need.
 
Armaan and Imraan Fallahi have shaved their heads this week to raise funds for SickKids Hospital, which is the largest centre dedicated to improving children’s health in the country.  Hundreds of children throughout Canada come to Sick Kids in Toronto every year to receive treatment for an illness or disease.  Also, when children from developing countries come to Canada for a live-saving operation, they usually go to Sick Kids.
 
As part of their “Shave your Lid to Help a Kid” program, the boys are asking for donations to their initiative.  All monies will do directly to SickKids Hospital. 
 
Please mail your cheques to:
95 Jefferson Forest Drive
Richmond Hill, ON
L4E 4J4
 
This is the second time Armaan has taken action.  Last year, he raised funds to help children in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli invasion.  What both brothers are doing is a perfect example of young people making change.  Through their own will, they are not only raising awareness about a very important issue, but raising funds that will help save lives. 
 
In an era when health care expenditures are not keeping up with demand and hospitals are struggling to balance their budgets, we have to ensure that children in Canada – and around the world – get the health care they need and deserve.
 
I congratulate Armaan and Imraan for their bold efforts this month.  I wish them the best of luck and I know they will succeed in raising thousands of dollars.  Now is the time to give and make a difference.  So what are you waiting for?
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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May 16, 2009

All Out for the World Partnership Walk

 
A very special event is taking place very soon in cities all over Canada, one which I have participated in since I was very young.
 
The World Partnership Walk, organized by the Aga Khan Foundation, is happening in cities across Canada in late May and early June. This is your chance to make a direct difference in the lives of underprivileged people in the Global South. 
 
Originally started by Vancouver’s Ismaili Women’s Organization Committee in 1985, the Walk is organized each year to raise both awareness and funds to fight global poverty. 100% of monies raised by the Walk go directly to international development initiatives that help eliminate global poverty, and CIDA (the Canadian International Development Agency) usually matches those funds.  When your on the Walk, you know that the dollars you raise are going right to the people who need it the most.
 
The Walk is now in its 25th year. In 2008, 40,000 participants came together across Canada to collectively raise $5.5 million in support of international development. This year, we’re doing our best to get as many people out as possible and raise as many funds as we can.
 
You can raise funds individually or online before the event. In fact, you can even create your own fundraising page on the World Partnership Website to keep track of who has given to your campaign. Through this event, I have raised more than $50,000 during the past eight years.  The potential that you have for raising money from the Walk is amazing.
 
My Making Change Team will be participating again this year. Our website is located here.  Any support you could provide would be much appreciated. And just as important, I hope you can join us for the Walk in Toronto on May 31st. If you would like to walk with my team and I, please send me an email at bilaal@makingchangenow.com. I will also soon post a link to the page where people can join the team.  I hope to hear from you!
 
Just imagine the change we can bring to literally hundreds of thousands of lives. Better health care and education, cleaner drinking water, food security and agricultural development. These are the things we take for granted in Canada, but which people have to struggle for on a daily basis in many countries in the world today. We can do better.
 
The Walk is a lot of fun, so mark your calendars. I hope to meet you at the event. Get your walking shoes out and make change! 
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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May 7, 2009

Thanking Your Mother This Weekend

 
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a chance to acknowledge those women who brought us into the world and raised us into the people we are today. 
 
Taking place every second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day was founded by American Anna Jarvis and was first celebrated in 1912. Its roots lie in the early pagan and Christian tradition of honouring mothers and wives in the 16th Century celebration of “Mothering Day,” as it was called in Britain and Ireland. 
 
Internationally, it is celebrated on different days throughout the world, from February 2 in Greece to March 21 in many Arab and African countries to the end of November in Russia. But they all have one thing in common: to give our love and thanks to those who nurtured us during our upbringing.
 
I am forced to think, however, of my travels to Africa two years ago. In countries like Malawi and Tanzania, the HIV/AIDS virus has led to the tragic deaths of millions of people and have left just as many children without parents. I met dozens of these so-called “AIDS orphans” on my trip. My thoughts are with them this Sunday, because Mother’s Day must have a completely different meaning for them, as it does for other young people around the world whose mothers have passed away.
 
My mother has always been there for me and like my father, has acted as a guiding light on what is right and what is wrong. It is one thing to raise a child, it is another to teach them how to be good adults and help others in need. 
 
I always prefer to give a personal gift to my mother instead of a consumer item. I usually write a poem for her on holidays, but especially on Mother’s Day. She will usually frame it. And in fact, if you want to give them something very special, promise them to do some chores around the house. Most likely, they would prefer that to any flowers or box of chocolates – and they could definitely use the break!  But most importantly, it’s best to spend some quality time with them. That’s something that both of you will like.
 
I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday. 
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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May 3, 2009

Going Barefoot at Lakefield College

 
It feels good to put shoes on again. After a week going barefoot, I finally had the privilege (and believe me, it’s a privilege) to wear shoes. Once again, your support has been overwhelming and I am very grateful for it. 
 
I received further support from a friend of mine in Florida. Genevieve wrote the following: “So proud to call you a friend! I congratulate your parents for doing such a fine job raising you and you are only 12… are you sure you’re not turning 24? LOL very mature for your age.  I wish you greatness in your life, you are on your way and I will be listening for your name in the future. FYI: I did go barefoot all week but of course it is easy for me as I am in Florida and its very warm here however each day I thought of the children without shoes and mostly what you were doing.  I prayed for them, prayed for your strength as without people like you they are lost.”
 
Thanks for the support, Genevieve. And thanks for going barefoot!
 
I also had the chance to visit LakefieldCollege, a private middle and high school near Peterborough, Ontario. I addressed students and faculty there about my Barefoot Challenge and some of the other work I’ve done. It was an amazing experience. All the students there were very friendly and they were keen to hear more about my week without shoes. 
 
In fact, students, faculty, staff and teachers (really, the entire school) got into the act themselves and kicked off their shoes! They also discussed the idea of having a “Barefoot Day” at school, where they would raise funds to help children in need throughout the developing world. After the assembly of the student body, there were a lot of unique and creative ideas that were discussed for the initiative.

I want to especially thank Headmaster David Thompson for giving me time to address his student body and taking a leadership role in going barefoot for the entire day. It was great meeting everyone at Lakefield. I hope I can visit them again sometime soon.
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 

P.S. Check out the media story about my visit to Lakefield.  Click here to watch. 

 

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April 26, 2009

Seven Days Going Barefoot. Thanks to All of You

 
What a week it’s been! I have gone seven days without socks and without shoes – completely BAREFOOT. I couldn’t have done it without the support of each and every one of you. Thank you! 
 
I decided to start the Barefoot Challenge to help raise awareness about child poverty in our world. This initiative was much more than just about shoes. It was about building a world where children don’t have to worry about never going to school, having a home to live in or seeing a doctor, one where children can grow up and be whoever they want to be in life.
 
The response from young people, adults and journalists alike throughout the world – many of whom participated – has been overwhelming, something I am very grateful for. In the past week, I have participated in 49 interviews with television networks, radio stations or newspapers from Canada, the United States, Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, India, Switzerland, South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore.  All of this helped make the Barefoot Challenge a truly global initiative.
 
I was honoured to be invited to the Ontario Legislature on Wednesday, April 22nd to hear my member of provincial parliament for Richmond Hill, Reza Moridi, read a statement about my Barefoot Challenge. It was great to see him kick off his shoes as well. 
 
The entire week was full of events: stepping on broken glass, almost stepping on a nail, getting a few blisters, an unidentified rash on my feet, a lot of rough skin, being kicked out of gym class and off the tennis team, being recommended not to go on a field trip to St. Lawrence Market, and finally, not being allowed into Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store. It made me think of how many children throughout the world are excluded from participating in any favorite or necessary activities because they are too poor to afford shoes, or any other basic necessity. 
 
Yet I decided to continue the barefoot initiative: nothing was going to stop me.  Everyone faces adversity, but if you believe in something, you have to persevere. We can all learn about the importance of adversity from a very simple African proverb: “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” 
 
There are some great photos of all the events and people who participated on the Barefoot Challenges Facebook Page.
 
We should all be inspired to get involved and make a difference no matter how rough our seas get. Just a month ago, I couldn’t imagine what it was like to live life without shoes.  Well, now I can, even though it was only for a week. It was an experience I will never forget, and it reminds me that when we work together, we CAN make a difference.  As Martin Luther King once wisely said: "We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now."  
 
There were lots of positives: getting support and participation from thousands of people worldwide, strolling everywhere throughout the streets of downtown Toronto, the St. Lawrence Market, Bayview Village Mall and Chapters, and visiting the Ontario Legislature and its main grounds.  This proves that there are a lot of good in people in this world who are willing to Make Change Now.
 
Again, thank you for Making Change!
 
P.S. I would be honored to meet each and every one of you at the next signing of my book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever, taking place at Costco on Saturday, May 2 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm at 18182 Yonge St. in Newmarket, and Saturday, May 9 from 2:30 pm to 4 pm at 1 York Tech Drive in Markham. I hope to see you there!
 
P.P.S Watch for Sudokuhub, my new initiative that will allow you to make a difference online.
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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Day Five on the Barefoot Trail

I had a great day, although I stayed home in the morning since it was recommended by my school not to go on a field trip to St. Lawrence Market because I might not have been allowed inside barefoot.  My first interview was with the CBC.  It felt different since I was outdoors answering questions through a sound system from a journalist back in the studio.  It was very nice outside and a great experience for me.  A friend of mine, Luc Wise, later escorted me into the CBC studio and he got to see what happens behind the scenes.  From there, I had another interview with a U.S. radio show. 
 
Phil Lameira has been my official Barefoot Campaign photographer who has followed me around throughout the week. Thanks for Phil for his great pictures.
 
I actually had time to hang out with my friends from school for about an hour.  We were at St. Lawrence Market and I was originally hesitant that I might get kicked out.  But my parents were there with me, so I wasn’t too worried.  I am happy to say that not a single person asked me to leave.  I feel that people are generally very supportive, yet I find other people in positions of power and authority somewhat reluctant to think outside the box and make change.
 
I later had a meeting with Sergeant Shelly Rogers and Karen Richards of the York Regional Police.  They would like to involve me in Peace Tree Day activities his on June 1. I’m looking forward to that.  They also have an open house on May 9 which should be a lot of fun.
 
I also received some very nice support from a young woman in Germany. Julia wrote to me on Facebook and said the following: “I’ve read an article about you in the newspaper today and I’m really impressed what you already achieved! I think you show that everyone can help if he just tries. That’s really encouraging. :) Good luck for your future!” Thanks Julia. I think you’re very encouraging, too!
 
On another note, my favourite writer who is always so supportive of my efforts, Eric Walters, author of Bifocal and Boot Camp, had his grade school class go barefoot as well.  Thanks for helping to spread the message, Eric!  In addition, Vancouver-based Orca Books, the company that published my 2008 book, Making Change: Tips from an Underage Overachiever, went barefoot as well and sent me some pictures. Thanks to Dayle and everyone at Orca for their support!  
 
My friends at AMREF Canada (the African Medical and Research Foundation in Canada) sent me pictures of the entire office going barefoot. I want to thank them so much for their support as well.
 
The public statement about my barefoot initiative presented at Queen’s Park on Wednesday by my MPP for Richmond Hill, Reza Moridi, is on You Tube. Check it out. Thanks again to Mr. Moridi for his support, and for going barefoot! 
 
I also wrote an article on CBC Citizen Bytes which highlights my week without shoes. I think you’ll enjoy it.
 
But it’s not over yet. There’s still Saturday. It’s supposed to be very warm tomorrow in Toronto. It’s the perfect time to kick off those shoes and enjoy Spring. And remember, when people ask you why you don’t have shoes, remind them it’s because too many children in the world don’t either, along with other important necessities. 
 
Speak to you tomorrow!
 
 
Warm Regards,
 
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
 
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April 24, 2009

Day Four on the Barefoot Trail

 
Thursday was a very busy day on my barefoot journey.  Most interestingly, I had an interview with a newspaper from San Francisco and a radio station from the Netherlands.  The message is spreading around the world!
 
I also received some encouraging words.  Daniel Kruse, all the way from Berlin, Germany, sent me some very nice words on Facebook: “You amaze me!  Good luck and keep your feet warm.”  That’s a good idea, Daniel!  Thankfully, it’s supposed to be warm on Friday and on the weekend in Toronto. 
 
I also heard from Shazia Jetha, who wrote to me on Facebook: “I read an article about you in the metro newspaper and I think it’s amazing what your doing and I would love to help… keep up the good work!”  Thanks Shazia.  Three more barefoot days to go.
 
Finally, I was contacted by a Pastor based in Germany.  Karl-Martin Harms wrote an email to me, saying “I read about you his morning in the newspaper.  I was surprised about your activities and I want to say thank you.  God bless you!” 
 
Thank you for your very kind words, Pastor Harms.  And thanks to everyone who have kicked off their shoes to raise awareness of the millions of kids around the world who don’t have any.
 
Yesterday, I met with Nigel Fisher, President of Unicef Canada, who is also participating in the barefoot challenge.  When I came into his office, he already had his shoes off.  Unicef Canada does some vitally important work to help children in underdeveloped countries. 
 
For those of you who haven’t, there’s still three more days to get involved.  This coming weekend, you can take off your shoes and won’t have to worry about teachers or bosses questioning your fashion choices.   
 
So what are you waiting for?  Visit www.makingchangenow.com now and add your name to the thousands around the world who are going barefoot.  Speak to you soon! 
 
 
Warm Regards,