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Be The Face Of Change by James Rint

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Nelson Mandela once said. ‘The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow,’ but what does this quote mean? It means that you, yes you, no matter how old you are, if you have any sort of disability or whether you are considered unworthy because of your gender or your race, you can still be the person people look up to. 

And no, it does not just mean that go to the house of parliament and say ‘I want to be the Prime Minister.’ It means that you become the leader of change whether it is about pollution, climate change, poverty or something rarely talked about.  

We need more young people today to drop their phones, stop scrolling through social media and focus on real world problems. Studies have even shown that only 70% of young people know what is going on in the world today. The generation that is meant to be leading our children are ever so slowly drifting away.  

And you do not have to be the perfect leader people look up to, leaders can be imperfect and make mistakes because as Albert Einstein has said ‘Anyone who has never had a mistake, has never tried something new.’ When you are a leader, it is about being the best version of yourself.  

Because your voice can empower and guide others, your voice can change lives of people you do not even know and your voice can be the stamp for others in the future. 

But if you think that you cannot be a leader because of persecutions in your life, well do not worry, all of our leaders today, and the past, have been through such persecutions. And let us remember what one song writer once said,  

Never gonna give you up
Never go let you 
Never gonna ran around and desert you. 

And even though this does not have any personal meaning it has a few words to learn. It is to never give up and desert our dreams of being a leader of tomorrow. Thank you for your time. 

The Youth of Today Have Such Potential For Tomorrow by Tyra Ernst

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2050, 29 years from today

I’ll be 44 going on 45

And thinking about that, a lot comes to mind.

 

Now that’s far into the future to think about,

Yet, without a doubt,

I know that like me there are others worrying about the state of the world.

And let’s not pretend there’s no reason to be concerned.

 

But in case you’re genuinely confused what I could be worried over

I’ll list them, the few things I could think of were

The threat of nuclear war,

The rapid extinction of species,

Increased use of biotechnologies,

And how that leads to increased chances of biological warfare.

The endless stream of greenhouse gases being pumped into the air.

The escalating housing crisis,

Overpopulation which only seems entice us, to have MORE children

Rapid deforestation

Decreased productivity in producing food, and this isn’t a random observation.

It’s linked to our very well known friends, climate change and global warming.

Don’t forget the acidification of land and water, which most governments seem to be ignoring.

The food shortage threat

AND THE EVER GROWING AMOUNT OF WORLD DEBT

 

As much as I wanted to stand here and complain for 4 minutes straight,

I’m going to offer my opinions for a better future that we can create.

While maybe bringing up things I don’t like or things that bother me.

Now my goal isn’t to be controversial,

But I’m not very thrilled about our society.

I believe that there should be things that are just universal.

 

Education, health services, access to food and water.

Such basic needs,

Yet it’s almost like they don’t matter.

Why is it we live in a world where the country and financial situation you were born into have such a big impact on your chance at life.

And don’t get me started on how race and gender play a role.

It just seems so hard to bring up these inequalities without causing strife.

 

This is where the youth of today come in,

Our patience is  running thin.

Most experts agree that “Gen Z” has the biggest chance to bring around change.

And to some, this need to be different or the excessive stubbornness may be strange.

But it’s because the current systems in place just don’t work.

From educational, to political, to justice, to economic,

This is where the problems begin to lurk.

90 percent of the time only specific groups of people are completely benefitted,

While everyone else is stuck, still people deny the systems need to be renovated.

 

WE see these issues though, WE live through it, WE don’t like it

And to make a difference we are willing to commit.

Kids and young adults need to be empowered and encouraged,

Hate is taught, however can be unlearned and discouraged.

 

We don’t want to work at a job we hate for the rest of our lives,

And yes, most of us want to do more than nothing while glued to our device.

Even if we don’t “know enough” about capitalism or economics,

We want change, change that’s good for everyone, not just some quick fix.

Humans created the very injustices and inequalities currently on display,,

We created the very world that runs on exploitation and unfair power everyday.

But the idea that it can be changed is “radical” or even “insane”.

 

We are tired of this generational Ponzi scheme,

Where present adults decide to do things in their interest, even if the consequences for the future seem extreme.

Pushing all responsibility onto the kids they’re raising, or future generations they don’t even know,

None of them wanted to do anything about the later mess, until their own glass started to overflow.

 

Time has run out,

And the idea that these issues will only start happening in the far future isn’t an accurate account.

2050? Try 2035, try 2030, wait, try right now.

Because of the carelessness and greed,

These devastating things have already started to proceed.

 

We may not know what to do completely,

But we have to do something, and we aren’t gonna ask discreetly.

Although controversial isn’t my goal,

I don’t really care if I am.

Because it looks like we have to take control,

We just don’t want to continue the generational scam.

 

The youth of today have such potential for tomorrow,

Even though some of us already have to take action against the sorrow.

But once you start listening, I’m sure the positives will follow.

Amy Wants Leaders to Battle Corruption, Crime and Human Rights Violations
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Peace & Justice
Today’s Children: Tomorrow’s Future

Amy Howlett

How would you like to live every day in fear? This is how so many children around the world live. They live without peace. They live without justice. They have to live with corruption and crime. We need to save them from a life of discrimination. Because even the world’s greatest democracies face major challenges in addressing problems like corruption, crime and human rights violations. Do you really want to leave a broken world for the children of the future?

To begin, no peace and justice means countries will be corrupt. Surveys show that many countries around the world lose $1.26 trillion US due to corruption and bribery. This means many countries will lose money and eventually become financially corrupt causing them an enormous debt. Do you really want that? Therefore if everywhere is corrupt, countries will turn into war-torn places.

In addition, no peace and justice can lead to high rates of violence. High levels of violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on developing countries causing them long-standing wars. Every day 100 civilians worldwide are killed in armed conflicts despite protection under international law. We don’t do enough to stop this. Over 70 million people worldwide are fleeing war, that is the highest level of people ever recorded. This can make many children homeless causing them a life full of trauma. Therefore without peace and justice, the world could be a skeleton of
what it used to be.

Lastly, no peace and justice violates human rights. The births of 1 in 4 children around the world are never officially recorded. This can deprive them of proof to a legal identity which is crucial for their protection. Without a legal identity, children could be kidnapped or taken to a child labor camp. This not only violates human rights but also causes a rise in violence. Do you really want to put these kids’ lives at risk? This is why I think human rights are the most important thing if we want to achieve peace and justice.

All of this is why I believe with justice and peace, the world could be one. To do so we have to battle with corruption, crime and human rights violations because we need to answer the children of our world who are calling for our protection.

Chloe Calls World Leaders to Act Now
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This is Your Last Chance

Chloe Bruger

 

Stop. Stop just watching our marine animals die. Don’t just pretend nothing is happening. The current estimate for how many marine animals die a year is 100 million and still we decide to do nothing!

 

You don’t seem to understand what a huge problem this is! Sea animals are dying! Mountains of coral are dying! We need to act now before there is nothing we can do. Stop waiting for our ocean to die and do something! For a start recycle rubbish, don’t step on coral reefs, right now all the little stuff matters.

 

We are just watching. Right now, marine animals are struggling to get out of fishing nets. Right now, marine animals are accidentally eating plastic bags. Right now, we need everyone to take action and responsibility for our mistakes!

 

Don’t say “there is barely any plastic in the ocean”. That is a lie and you know it! Get out of your perfect little fairy tale! Without marine life, there would be no more coral. Without coral, shorelines would be vulnerable to rising sea levels and would push people on beaches or close to beaches out of their homes, so 200 million people would be homeless. It would cause even more changes in the weather. Could you even imagine an ocean without fish? A dead ocean? An ocean without purpose? An empty cause? Are you truly that cruel?

 

According to WWF (World Wildlife Fund) studies, the average human eats 2,000 microplastics weekly. There are 5.25 trillion pieces of microplastic in the ocean, so it is very likely that every fish we eat has microplastic in them. As we know, oceans are an important food source and these microplastics are affecting not just fish, but humans too and have been linked to a variety of health problems, including organ problems and child development problems! Throwing plastic in the ocean is harming everyone! Children, adults, marine life! Just stop! Look at the huge mess we are making!

 

Our generation can’t fix all of your mistakes. Some are undoable. If we don’t do something now, there is no person, miracle or generation that can fix this! Don’t come to me, when your grandchildren ask, why turtles are extinct.

 

This is your last chance!

 

Don’t mess it up!

Deepa’s Speech Influenced by the the UN 2030 Sustainability Goal: Gender Equality
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Gender Equality

Deepa Lal

Would you like to be treated differently than others? Gender equality is a major goal that we need to achieve by 2030. All women around the globe are stuck in homes struggling. Especially during the pandemic. For example, women and young girls deserve the right to be happy, get an education and do anything they wish. Gender equality must spread all around the world.

Firstly, violence against women is serious and will stop. Research shows women and girls receive worse medical care than men. Therefore they aren’t taken seriously by medical professionals. Gender equality prevents violence against women and is a human right. It’s essential for prosperity. Women get threatened, abused and mistreated day by day and gender stops that. Societies that value men and women as equal are safer and healthier.

Secondly, girls deserve education not only for their good but for our future. When women receive the same education and job opportunities, as men they can improve any organisation they join. For example, women’s impact doesn’t stop individual companies and organizations, it makes it more useful. A girls education activist Malala Yousafzai said “Education is not a privilege, education is a right, education is peace”. If girls get an education, it will help communities, companies, and organisations.

Thirdly, increasing women’s legal rights keeps them safe and able to build happy, productive lives. Data shows 75% of parliament are men. 73% of managers are men. 67% in climate are also men. Lastly, 87% of the peace table are men. However, globally women have fewer opportunities for economic participation than men. This means they have less access to basic and higher education, greater health, safety risks, and political representations. Women and girls have the right to talk, speak up for themselves, sing, dance and play.

In conclusion, we must support gender equality. When women are equal in society, their health will impact positively. Men and women must have equal rights and opportunities. It is the political, economic and social equality of the genders. Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. With everybody’s help, it will change the future.

Scarlett Leads by Advocating for the LGBTQ+ Community
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I’ll Try

Scarlett Mitchelson

 

My name is Scarlett Mitchelson, and I’m here to talk about how we can stop homophobia. I may only be 12, but I hope I can make a difference in the world, or even just the country. I’ll begin with explaining some cool things and mentioning some people in the LGBTQ+ community!

 

Some of the most well-known celebrities are in the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, Halsey, identifies as Bisexual, meaning she likes men and women. Or Brenden Urie, he identifies as Pansexual, meaning he likes all genders. If you didn’t know, each sexuality has a different flag. Take the Pride flag for example. Red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit.

 

I now want to explain some of the cruel things that are happening around the world. People are being arrested for being themselves, and for having a relationship with someone of the same gender! People are protesting to get rid of all people in the community. People are going to Pride Marches to burn flags in front of LGBTQ+ people. In some states, it is illegal to be LGBTQ+. This is insane, and it needs to stop. We shouldn’t have to worry about being arrested for just being in a Pride March. Females shouldn’t be shamed for wearing shorts or jeans, because apparently women are only supposed to wear skirts and dresses. We shouldn’t have to be scared of openly supporting the community, because some people hate them so much. This needs to stop, and if no one is going to do anything about it, I guess I’ll try.

 

Now the important part, how we can stop this. I’ll just list a few examples, and how you can do them. 1. Start by becoming an ally (a supporter), if you’re not already. You can do this by just assuring your friends who may be in the community that they can talk to you, or if someone asks, just state that you’re an ally! 2. Stand up for LGBTQ+ folk. If you see someone being bullied or harassed for their gender or sexuality, just try to comfort them, or tell the bullies off. 3. If you want to go the extra mile, buy a pride flag! Any will do, and it’s your choice on which one. You can buy them on any website, such as Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and many more. Being a supporter of the community can make a person’s day and make them feel valid.

 

I won’t keep you guys any longer, so I’ll just finish off with some extra things to be aware of. Being gay is not a sin. Being bisexual is not ‘just a phase’. Being transgender doesn’t mean you’re fussy. Being pansexual doesn’t mean you’re attracted to kitchenware. Being homophobic doesn’t make you a bad person. Being an ally isn’t disrespecting LGBTQ+ people. Being attracted to the same gender doesn’t mean that you’re weird. Being yourself isn’t bad. If you want to wear something, wear it. If you want to like a certain color, like it. If you want to cut your hair or grow it out, do it. If you want to be yourself, be yourself.

Jaime’s Call For Change: IT MUST STOP NOW
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IT MUST STOP NOW

JAIME MOLISA

 

Why? Why are people constantly getting judged because of how they look? This is wrong I shouldn’t be getting treated differently to someone else because I look different to them. Judging someone because of the way they look is wrong and I admit I have judged others because of their looks for example I remember looking at someone and thinking that they were poor or drunk because of the way that they were dressed but I have realised that what I did was wrong and that it must stop now!

 

People are dying because of racism. George Floyd died. How did he die? He died because of racism. How you may ask? Well, George was accused of using a fake 20 dollar bill the shopkeeper took a look at him saw the 20 dollar bill and suspected that it was counterfeit. The shopkeeper stereotyped George and thought that he carried a lot more of them. So he called the police and as soon as the police arrived they took a look at him, listened to the shopkeeper’s explanation and because he was a black man buying a cigarette, of course, he was a thug who was using counter fit money to buy drugs.

 

Black people get stereotyped every day of being poor, thugs, or sometimes members of a gang and most of the time thieves. This is unfair and it has got to stop now! George Floyd died because of a racist cop, the cop laid his knee on Georges neck “I can’t breath” he said but the officer ignored him after 8mins and 45secs George Floyd became a victim of racism

 

Furthermore, cultures are collapsing. They can’t celebrate parts of their culture because they’re in fear of being judged. Are we seriously that cruel that we could judge someone because of their culture or how they look? Not only does it stop someone from accepting their cultures but it’s preventing them from going to school or work because they’re in fear of being physically or verbally attacked. Someone shouldn’t be looked down on because of their culture! I refuse to grow up in a community that is gonna judge me because of my culture, and I refuse to let anyone else grow up in that type of community.

 

In addition, I want to tell you that looks or wealth does not define someone so you can’t just look at someone and be like oh that person’s poor or is rich. NO, you cant look at someone and know their whole life or back round we’re not robots snap back to reality. Judging someone is wrong. People are getting judged daily. To you that may be funny or just part of life. But to the victim, it’s killing them. Mentally it’s making them depressed. You can’t judge someone because of the way they dress, their culture, or their skin color. It’s wrong and it has got to stop NOW.

 

That is why I think racism has got to stop NOW! Not later, not next week, or when you get the chance to care but NOW. And I know that I won’t be able to stop racism but all I’m asking for is that we all do our part and try to stop racism so that myself and the future generation can get a better and brighter future. A future where all people are treated equally and racism doesn’t exist.