Welcome to Change Tomorrow’s World; an online organization dedicated to educating youth and inspiring them to make a difference in their local communities.
So often do we see youth unable to participate in world events or current affairs because of the complex manner in which these crucial issues are communicated. Change Tomorrow’s World aims to simplify these issues so that youth can grasp their importance and participate in finding solutions. Through online articles, pictures and videos, we hope that our technologically-savvy method will engage youth of all ages, and help them recognize that even small actions can make a big difference.
Please click around our blog and check out our articles on International Development, the Environment, and Innovation. We also have Charity/Not-for-Profit interviews or you can read about youth making a difference in our Featured Youth Section. Looking for a place to voice your opinion? Check out the Discussion Board.
Please share our website with your children, family, and friends, and encourage the youth in your life to be part of our online global community which aims to foster leadership and innovative thinking.
Click here to connect to our Facebook “Change Tomorrow’s World” and Twitter. Help us reach our goal of 1 million individuals around the world who are making a difference!
When a friend posted a clip from the Hindi movie Kurbaan on facebook, I was surprised at what a strong negative reaction I had to the clip, despite the fact that the clip displayed someone who was trying to defend Islam.
I should preface my comments by saying the movie was wonderful, but I still disagree with some of the comments made in the clip above. I understand what Riyaz (the character in the clip) is trying to say: there is much more to the story of terrorism than what is shown on Western TV. It is ignorant for people to simply believe what they hear and not take the time and effort to learn more without forming opinions. Americans fail to realize how much death and destruction they caused before a backlash occurred.
BUT – that doesn’t justify the backlash – especially when innocent people are involved. People like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi have shown us that that there are alternative methods to fighting – that the movement for development in political ideology and civil rights can be done peacefully – and that those methods can be effective. I understand: it is extremely hard not to endorse the “eye for an eye” policy when you are the one standing there with your eye torn out and bleeding and the other person staring back at you with both eyes fine. In fact, I don’t know if I would have enough strength to resist the “eye for an eye” policy. But, there is another way – death and destruction should not be used as a tool for development, even if you are the victim. I really disagree with the last line Riyaz says: its not about getting people out of “my” country or allowing them to kick me out of their’s. Prominent Muslim leaders like the Aga Khan (IV) have talked about the importance of cultures coming together and of celebrating plurality. Prominent Muslim leaders like the Aga Khan have acknowledged how Canada has been a role model politically for other countries.
In the end, its about recognizing we are all humans, with the same essence: the same feelings, the same trials and tribulations, the same red-coloured blood, irrespective of culture or religion or race or gender or sexual orientations. Both sides need to recognize that. We can never expect to see development if we fail to be the change we want to see in the world.
Nuclear energy has gotten a lot of attention since the recent nuclear disaster in Japan. After the recent earthquake struck Japan, a series of equipment failures led to the release of radioactive material <source>. This incident has made the public look at nuclear energy in a new light and reconsider the options of having nuclear energy in their own cities. Is it safe to build these possible time-bombs in a community? In the future, would it be wise for us to rely on most of its energy from nuclear power or by doing so are we digging our own graves?
Fully understanding nuclear energy is the first step in making an informed decision in such important matters. As explained by Ontario Power Generation, a nuclear power plant works conventionally the same was as a coal or a natural gas plant: the only difference lies in using uranium as the main fuel source. Uranium, unlike other fuel sources, is not burned. Instead, the uranium atom is split through a process known as fission which creates heat. The splitting of one uranium atom releases heat and subatomic particles called neutrons are released from their molecular bonds. Neutrons continue to move along and bump into other uranium atoms, further splitting those other atoms. The heat released from the fission process is used to make steam. This steam is piped over large turbines which turn to generate electricity <Source>.
One thing to keep in mind is that relying on nuclear power would lead to a reduction of greenhouse gases. This should definitely be one of our main priorities, as climate change is worsening day by day. Additionally, there is a sufficient supply of uranium around the world that it can be relied on to last for at least half a century <source>. Furthermore, the number of nuclear disasters that have occurred in the past are far less than disasters from fossil fuel sources. Some may claim nuclear power will heighten security threats, but if strict policies are in place against proliferation, then there should not be any risk of terrorist activities regarding nuclear energy.
Those against nuclear energy argue that it carries a high capital cost, with the construction of both a nuclear power plant and reactors. Radiation leaks would also be a constant threat, which would cost billions of dollars and several years to clean up. Another problem noted against nuclear energy is that it creates lots of productive waste at its mining and refining facilities.
Looking at both sides of the issues it is clear to see that although nuclear energy is not without its faults, (with its high capital costs and many safety and environmental concerns) it does have its benefits: no emission of green-house gases into the environment. When comparing nuclear to others processes of obtaining energy, nuclear is definitely not the worst.
It has been slightly more than a year since Quebec-based clothing company Jacob announced itwas finally time for a retailer to “take a stand on retouching”. It promised that beginning withits 2010 fall campaign, all of its brand including Jacob, Jacob Lingerie, Josef and Danz , will no longer retouch models to alter the shape of their bodies. The company issued a very clear press release detailing what would and would not be retouched on their models: anything changing the body of the models was to be discontinued, while digital enhancements to alter color tones, erase tattoos and scars, and fix other skin imperfections would still be applied.
This press release was issued less than a year following an infamous Photoshop disaster: RalphLauren’s outrageous shearing of Filippa Hamilton’s waist to the point that it was smaller thanher head. The incident was even more shocking because Ralph Lauren at first didn’t evenbother to admit the gravity of their mistakes. Instead, the company responded by filing a DigitalMillennium Copyright Act against the websites which first alerted the public to their actions.
Model Fillipa Hamilton: Ralph Lauren ad (left), Actual (right)
In such an atmosphere, Jacob’s move was lauded by the media and public alike. But since then,how much closer are we to “reverse the trend in digital photo manipulation that has becomeexcessive” in our society. We see no decline in the outrageous imagery telling us that we willnever be thin enough – who can be when the standard of beauty is to slice off your curves.
Although Ralph Lauren has since apologized for their creations (and only under very heavypublic pressure) they still continue to distort beautiful girls into wraithe-like creatures.
This has to stop. Fashion houses and clothing brands should not be proffering apologies forbody shape reduction – they should be showing women that they can be beautiful in theirclothes no matter what shape or size they are.
Jacob has shown that the unadulterated image is much more flattering and pleasing to the eyethan the Photoshop monsters that have been previously gracing our media. Now, we need tostep up and convince other retailers to do the same. What would they lose, except for a couplehundred dollars paid to photo editors for each retouch. And what would we gain? Only ourcompletely lost sense of self-worth.
In the past few months all corners of the world have witnessed massive uprisings. Following the Arab Spring, now all over North America, Europe and parts of Asia the Occupy movement has taken over. The movement started in June 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and from there it has spread to over 2398 cities worldwide <source>.
Occupy protestors are the general public who claim to be the “99 percent”- working-class the majority which has to suffer and work hard to make ends meet while the elite 1% (lawyers, stock brokers, bankers) are being paid too much. They are anti-capitalistic and stand against corporate greed and social and economic inequality by gathering in public places all around the world (usually in front of political buildings) to demonstrate their views. They feel they have been let down by their governments and are displeased with the state of affair. The goal of these protests is to initiate global change trying to urge politicians to listen to the common public and not just the elite in economical and political decision making. They are asking to restore democracy and asking the government to look after the issues of 99%.
The protests have helped bring forward the problems ordinary citizens face which are usually overlooked by governments. It is hoped that these movements will further encourage politicians to look at the issues and concerns that the general public has.
It is clear from these demonstrations that the public is not willing to sit back and watch the world fall apart anymore – that people are more motivated to take action than ever before. It can also be seen that it is not a big powerful country that needs to take action first, since the Occupy movement was initially inspired by the Arab Spring. Ultimately, the Occupy movement has shown that it is possible for us to put our differences aside and unite peacefully and globally if we have a common goal insight.
By: Aisha Shoaib Blog Writer 2011, Change Tomorrow’s World
Edited By Wajiha Suboor Editor 2009-2011, Change Tomorrow’s World
Nothing travels faster than the speed of light, or so we have believed for all of our lives. We all know the famous Einstein equation E= mc2, even if we don’t fully understand it. The basis of this equation has the underlying concept that nothing travels faster than the speed of light. However, this was all challenged recently when a group of European scientist claimed that they had found a particle that travels faster than the speed of light. This particle is called neutrino. <source>
The experiment known as the OPERA (Oscillation Project with Emulsion-Tracking Apparatus) studied over 15 000 neutrinos and was able to measure the speed of neutrinos travelling between a tunnel in Switzerland and Italy. Repeating the experiment for over three years for validity, they found out that neutrinos can conduct the journey 60 nanoseconds faster than the speed of light.
Neutrinos are a small subatomic particle with a very small mass. They are neutral (having neither a positive nor a negative charge) which enables them to pass through things like walls and plants. Neutrinos have major uses in astrophysics where they function to track supernova (the end of a massive star, which results in a massive explosion), among other things.
This claim that neutrino can travel faster than the speed of light, has caused mayhem around the academic world because if it turns out to be true, it will suggest we have not yet fully understood the way our universe works. The discovery of neutrinos also means that there may be a chance to time travel after all, since the concept that always limited time travel was that nothing travels faster than the speed of light. IF the claim is proven to be correct, “All of our understanding of cosmology and subatomic matter — everything will have to be revised,” says Neil Turok, director of the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo University, among the world’s leading centres for research in theoretical physics. “We will have to work out everything all over again.” source.
But how will this affect our daily life? It may not change anything about the food we eat or the car we drive, but it could lead to changes in your remote control frequencies. It certainly suggests the possibility of new technology.
If the claim about neutrinos is proven to be correct it means that there is a world out that we don’t know about and things that we always believed to be impossible, like time travel, may be possible after all.
Aisha Shoaib, Blog Writer 2011, Change Tomorrow’s World
Wajiha Suboor, Editor 2011, Change Tomorrow’s World
Malaria is a prominent problem around the world – particularly in places such as Africa – and yet, can be dealt with for a cost that is under $10 a day. Here, at Change Tomorrow’s World, we look for people who challenge world issues head-on, and who get out and make a difference. Today’s interviewee is an example of exactly that – someone who saw a problem, and stepped up to make a change.
I am proud to present an interview with Kristen Kenny, Founder of MALAIKA for LIFE. Check it out below!
1. What is ‘MALAIKA FOR LIFE’?
MALAIKA FOR LIFE is a movement that was created to save lives otherwise lost to malaria and empower malaria stricken communities in Africa! Malaika means Angel in Swahili and Arabic. MALAIKA FOR LIFE believes everyone can be an angel, and help give others a chance to celebrate LIFE.
2. Tell us about a recent project/accomplishment you have completed.
Since our project started, malaria cases have dropped 81% in the Rombo District of Tanzania. In February 2010, we distributed medication to treat 8,000 cases of malaria in Tanzania, Africa. We currently provide 60 women with income opportunities from our bracelet project! We are planning a return visit to hold a MALAIKA FOR LIFE Celebrate LIFE END MALARIA event, which will take place in the most malaria prevalent area of Tanzania to educate vulnerable communities on malaria and the accessibility to medications, and to deliver bikes to high-risk mothers for faster transportation to the hospital and the importance of treatment.
3. Personally, your organization really resonates with me. From simple similarities, such as my middle name being Malaeka, to more complex aspects – such as both my parents being born/growing up in Tanzania (where malaria as a prominent problem). Most people, however, are don’t make as much of a personal connection to this serious issue. Could tell us a bit about your own experience (i.e. how this organization started, the importance of buying a bracelet, etc.)?
Wow, I would like to talk to you more about this – I would love to hear your experience. My best friend is from Tanzania, a village called Nkwenda. We went to his village together to film a movie. I stayed in his village an extra ten days by myself, and it was then, when I contracted severe malaria. I had to take a dala dala 6 hours to the hospital with strangers on my lap. When I got to the hospital, I felt like I was close to death. I could feel my body collapsing, my joints locking and twisting, my heart pounding, and I was fighting to stay awake. It was the scariest day of my life. I was in the hospital bed for 4 days on an IV. It was then, I realized, this is the reality most people face here in Tanzania. This is how my friend grew up. This is how his friends grew up. The only difference is that I could afford to go by bus to the hospital verses by foot, and I could afford the life-saving medication. All of this cost me less than $10. It was shocking to me that this disease continues to kill thousands of children a day. All the needless deaths, for what? I had to do something, even if it was saving just ONE life every day. So, I did. And that is why MALAIKA FOR LIFE exists, to give others the same chance I had to fight malaria… and celebrate LIFE!
4. Our blog is not only committed to educating students about issues around the world, but also to encouraging students to find a passion and to make a difference. What can youth (of all ages) do help fight malaria, and how can they support the MALAIKAforLIFE?
It is important to understand that malaria can happen to anyone. It can happen to you, your friend or your family member. 2000 travelers contract it EVERY year. It is something that is not too far from home. So, as we continue to travel the world and study abroad, we should be alert and aware of the realities that exist. Malaria, just like any disease, should be talked about. And malaria unlike most diseases, can be cured. We eradicated it in America and most of the developed western world, so why not Africa? Today, youth of all ages in America can help youth in Africa. We can be angels … save lives …and change the world, literally, one bracelet at a time.
5. Any other comments, experiences or words of wisdom you would like to share with our viewers?
We are launching a school program in America, in which we travel school to school to educate students of all ages on Africa and malaria, and encourage them to make a difference, one bracelet at a time. Click the link for more.
RECENT NEWS
Ron Artest has pledged his support to end malaria by wearing our men’s “Save A LIFE” bracelet!
MALAIKA FOR LIFE was recently honored by The Limited and Ocean Drive Magazine for our efforts to empower women and fight malaria.
MALAIKA FOR LIFE teamed up with the University of Miami women soccer team to raise funds to end malaria one goal at a time!
MALAIKA FOR LIFE “Save a LIFE” bracelets are now sold at Jodi Arnold, New York locations.
Please follow us on Twitter @MALAIKAFORLIFE and Friend us on Facebook at MALAIKA FOR LIFE.
MALAIKA for LIFE video
(All photos/videos on this page have been reproduced with the permission of MALAIKA for Life, with all credit to their website at http://buyabraceletsavealife.org/or their facebook page. A special thank you to Kristen Kenny, the Founder of MALAIKA for LIFE, who was kind enough to conduct this interview.)
Once again, our founder Fariya Walji has been invited to the Millennium Campus Conference as a result of her excellent work with CTW. Each year, 1000 youth leaders from around the world gather to exchange information on world issues and discuss viable solutions. This year’s conference, to be hosted at Harvard University in Boston, will focus on how the student movement can end global poverty.
While financial obstacles potentially hinder Ms. Walji from attending, we are proud to share this prestigious invitation with you, our supporters. Without you, Change Tomorrow’s World would not have such a strong online presence and global impact, and we would not be as well-recognized. We share this invitation with you to re-affirm that Change Tomorrow’s World is making a real difference, and that your support and energy is well-spent in our organization.
Marshall Zhang, only a 16 year old high school student has already achieved what most scientist hope to achieve in their life time: a new drug to fight the battle against cystic fibrosis. He took the first place in the Sanofi-Aventis BioTalent Challenge for his new drug treatment plan.
Zhang has come up with a new drug combination to help fight against Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease of secretary glands, including the glands that make mucus and sweat. It causes a thick mucus build up in the lungs and blocks airways, making it difficult to breathe. The build-up of mucus also makes it easy for bacteria to grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections and may also cause digestion problems (source).
Zhang, at his mentor’s (Dr. Christine Bear) lab used the Canadian SCINET supercomputing network to come up with a potentially new way to treat the disease by combining 2 drugs that are already in use. He discovered that the two drugs can potentially be used at the same time for a combined effect. Zhang tested his theory on living cells and was surprised to learn that his hypothesis actually worked.”The cells treated with the two drugs were functioning as if they were the cells of healthy individuals,” says Zhang. “The thrill of knowing that I was on the forefront of current knowledge was absolutely the best thing about my experience … getting a taste of real research has definitely driven me towards pursuing science in the future” (source).
Zhang had picked up an interest in biology when he was placed in an advanced biology class in Grade 10. He decided he wanted a taste of real lab work. Zhang contacted the entire faculty of university of Toronto biochemistry department looking for lab work. He got rejected by almost everyone as he had no experience, but he did get a reply from one, his mentor, Dr. Bear.
Not only is Zhang’s discovery a possibly breakthrough on how to treat cystic fibrosis, it may have also opened door for new pharmaceutical methods. Dr. Christine Bear said in remarks to Zhang‘s discovery: “Zhang’s findings show that computational methods can drive the discovery of compounds that lay the groundwork for drug development” (source).
Marshall Zhang’s achievements show that it is not required for us to be highly experienced or have superior knowledge on the subject for us to be able to achieve success. We simply need a desire, and a drive to go for what we want to see happen, and the results we obtain might even end up surprising ourselves.
Aisha Shoaib Blog writer 2011, Change Tomorrow’s world
The Libyan crisis persists after months of fighting. The group of revolutions in the Middle East now termed “Arab Spring” implied a new hope for democracy in the area. Though all governments resisted the movement, many eventually fell or agreed to restructure in Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan. However, some governments like those of Syria and Libya continue to fight against the voice of the people.
In the case of Libya, citizens took to the streets in early February to show their disapproval of President Gaddafi’s government. Gaddafi has been president of Libya since 1969. Gaddafi’s dictatorship remained intact until the uprising in early February. Gaddafi moved quickly to stifle the opposition and was near success when the United Nations approved intervention. The UN authorized a no-fly zone over Libya to prevent Libyan military aircrafts (used to attack non-combatants) from flying. (UN Security Council). According to the Geneva Conventions of which Libya is a signatory, harming non-combatants is not legal yet Gaddafi has done his best to squash the resistance by any means necessary including firing on non-combatants. The UN resolution also permits a force to fire on Libyan ground forces.
ICC prosecutors presented a case in hopes of issuing an arrest warrant for Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam and a spy chief Abdullah al-Sanoosi. The ICC also has a warrant out for Omar Al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity since March of 2009 and yet he continues to rule over Sudan and commit genocide. It is unclear how the ICC will go about arresting Gaddafi especially when Libya’s neighboring country Chad has stated it will not back the ICC and intervene (Sudan Tribune).
Currently, the US and NATO are waging war on Gaddafi’s government in the name of protecting civilians. Still, it is unknown what the exit strategy for this mission is and who will take over the country once Gaddafi is out.
Will an arrest warrant from the ICC prove effective? Does the immediate relief of citizens compensate for the lack of an exit plan? Sound off below!
An interesting article (taken from ParentDish.com) raises a challenging question about the role of parents in a baby’s gender and development.
Following a flurry of criticism stemming from the announcement she and her family would raise their child as gender-neutral, the mother of Storm Stocker is speaking out.
Kathy Witterick, the Canadian mother of the 4-month-old baby, and her husband, David Stocker, 39, sent an email to friends and family following Storm’s New Year’s Day birth, letting it be known just a select few — including the parents, midwives, a close friend and the couple’s two sons, Kio, 2, and Jazz, 5, would know Storm’s sex.
“We decided not to share Storm’s sex for now — a tribute to freedom and choice in place of limitation, a standup to what the world could become in Storm’s lifetime,” they wrote.
The family has declined any interviews since the story grabbed headlines following a report in the Toronto Star May 21, but Witterick defends the decision in a letter to the Edmonton Journal, published May 30.
“I’m shy and idealistic, and all my life I’ve worked in the field of abuse and violence prevention,” Witterick writes. “… Jazz is 5 years old. Since he was a young baby, he’s enjoyed color, texture and vibrancy. … As Jazz grew, his love of bright colors (especially pink) and lots of fabric (especially dresses) continued, and he wanted to grow his hair. The older he became, the more he met with pressure from peers and adults to adjust his image and ‘act more like a boy.’ Jazz remained committed to his own style.”
Witterick writes that Jazz, while listening to “Free to be You and Me” soon before Storm’s birth, began asking questions about how people would treat Storm should he, too, like to wear pink one day.
So often do we see youth unable to participate in world events or current affairs because of the complex manner in which these crucial issues are communicated. Change Tomorrow’s World aims to simplify these issues so that youth can grasp their importance and participate in finding solutions. Through online articles, pictures and videos, we hope that our technologically-savvy method will engage youth of all ages, and help them recognize that even small actions can make a big difference.
