That forum made me want to express myself and start writing again.
Today, I went for another forum in line with what I went for last year in November.
A children's forum organised by NGO's. Today's theme was "A Child Friendly City" and Petaling Jaya was the first city to have a forum where the children express their opinions about what they think a child friendly city is.
This is the FIRST and ONLY forum in Malaysia where the children and youth get to voice out their opinions on what they think should be happening around us, what we don't like, and what we want to see improve.
I love things like this. I feel like my heart and soul is completely dedicated to things like this, to the development of society.
I realised today, after a veryyyy long time not knowing what I wanted to pursue, I now know what I want to be, what path I will take in the future. Thanks to this forum : )
I thank God for answering my prayers. haih :') I feel so fulfilled! and empowered!
Well, anyway.
Alayna, Anisa, Aleysha, King Yang, Ravin, Divya, Rueben, Lavinia, Sunil, Shayna,Iman, Atira, Dakshayini, Roshini, Shameera and I attended.
About 200 children (aged 18 and below)from all over PJ attended this forum. We were then broken into 4 separate groups.
- Play A Part
- Free From Harm
- Live Well
- Be The Best
yes, we all had to wear the shirts they gave us. it was a must :/
but that's okay, i suppose.
my Alayna is so gorgeous lah : )
They had activities for the younger kids. Clowns!
The kiddies were definitely happy today. So were the rest of us.
Shayna, Joyce, Atira and I were put into the same group, Play A Part.
We were asked to actually create our ideal city on a piece of cardboard. We were given materials to make it.
It wasn't what I expected it to be at first.
But then, after finishing our city, we had a group discussion on what we, as YOUTH, as CHILDREN of this world, want to see happen or improve in PJ.
Everything just fell into place from there onwards.
We talked about everything, from more greenery, more child friendly facilities to preserving forest reserves.
Then we talked about school and how things should improve.
I had alot to say in that area, really.
Shayna made those! so cute:)
Yesterday at my place, we had a briefing for today's forum. Mummy facilitated it :)
At the end of everything, all the groups came together and shared what had been discussed at their respective groups.
It was so nice to see these youth actually coming forth and presenting their ideas and thoughts to better the city, to better our society.
We usually see the adults delagating everything, but it was different today.
The youth took that role, WE were the ones expressing, planning and consulting.
The ideas presented were really good.
But all this is just exterior.
We, as individuals should realise that everything starts from our character, our moral foundation. Without that, we won't get far.
The reason why I love going for these forums is because you see so many people from different backgrounds, races, religions coming together for one common purpose, to better society.
Even if there was something I didn't really like about someone there, I would immediately put it aside, because I realised, I remembered that they actually CAME for the forum and for that reason alone, I truly respect everyone who came because they actually WANTED to and were WILLING to be a part of the transformation for a better society instead of just laying at home, not doing anything to fulfill our duties as human beings and that is to be of service, not only for ourselves, but for the entire human race.
We see so many terrible things happening around us and we're just disgusted with what's happening to an extent where many of us choose to boycott the papers and not even bother watching the news, to an extent where many of us don't want to care about what's happening around the world anymore. So many of us are saddened by the things happening now that we feel like there is no hope, no use if we did something for society anymore.
It's time for a change, I say!
But you know, I quote from someone I respect a whole lot, we shouldn't be distracted by the troubles of this world, but rather step up with courage and determination, and play our part to better humanity, to transform society. We need to look at the world with eyes of hope and faith and then, serve humanity in any way possible.
If we don't do it, who will? If not now, when?
Indeed, it has been a good day, a truly remarkable day : )
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