I don’t usually go to the movies. It’s just too darn expensive. But I am going tomorrow. I know this will be worth every penny. You see, tomorrow is International Women’s Day, and I am celebrating by going to see this movie. I watched the preview and I felt inspired. I hope you do too.

Here is some information from the site:

“In honor of International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 5th, Fathom Events presents the acclaimed documentary, A Powerful Noise. This exclusive event will be followed by a live panel discussion with top experts and celebrity activists. You can be a part of the discussion by submitting your questions. Let your voice be heard.”

You can also use the power of Twitter

“You can help fight global poverty on Twitter! Just tweet “#apowerfulnoise” anytime from March 2nd to March 5th, and NCM Fathom will donate $.50 for up to 10,000 Tweets to CARE, an organization working to end global poverty, in honor of the upcoming one-night event featuring the acclaimed documentary A Powerful Noise.”

Check your local listings to see where A Powerful Noise is playing.

Please take a moment and watch the preview. I hope to hear about your own night at the movies.

This tale of life and love in the slums of Mumbai alternates between heartbreak and triumph. The story follows two brothers who live in abject poverty, whose lives are made even more difficult after they are orphaned. Following them throughout their childhood and into early adulthood – along with their friend Latika – we see them fight against exploiters, brothel owners, child abusers, and even each other, in their struggle to survive.

I spent a day as an “Un-Tourist” in these very slums of Mumbai – a place called Dharavi. I went with Deepa Krishnan, owner of tour operator Mumbai Magic. Immersing yourself in the real lives of ordinary people in a place traveled to is a unique experience, and one that can truly bring the spirit and culture of a place alive to the traveler.

Slumdog Millionaire captures this brilliantly and is a fantastic movie, that caused me at times to want to applaud and at times to cringe and shut my eyes. Despite its upbeat ending and “rags to riches” Hollywood/Bollywood mechanism, Slumdog Millionaire shows us a side of India, and a way of life, that millions of children struggle to survive every day. Orphaning, abandonment, homelessness, begging, working, being exploited and abused…this is real, daily life for hundreds of thousands of children in Mumbai alone.

The actors who play the characters at their youngest ages are themselves Hindi-speaking street kids, discovered by casting director Loveleen Tandan. This fact reminded me of the 1988 movie Salaam Bombay, a movie by Mira Nair that was also about street kids in Mumbai, and which featured a cast of actual street children. Nair went on to start a foundation, the Salaam Baalak Trust, with proceeds from the film, and today SBT assists thousands of street children in Mumbai and Delhi. I interviewed Nair’s mother, Praveen, in my book The Weight of Silence; Praveen started SBT with her daughter Mira.

Salaam Bombay has a grittier, more realistic feel without the rags-to-riches ending. While I love the Slumdog Millionaire movie, while watching it there did resonate in me a sense of reinforcement of just such fantasies that lead kids into street life in Mumbai all the time. While traveling India and researching for my book, I interviewed many social workers and child advocates who told me that thousands of children run away from home and catch a train to “Bombay” with fantasies of the movies or making it big in the glamorous city filling their head. Sadly, most of them fall prey to just such exploiters as those found in both these movies: traffickers, begging rings, brothel owners or factory recruiters. Many of them remain living in the railway stations in which they arrive, begging or scratching out a living by sorting through trash for recycling or other dangerous endeavors. You can read my story here about my day spent with just such railway boys in Mumbai.

The lesson I would like to leave about this movie is: please see it. Enjoy it. Revel with these kids when luck comes there way. But please, please – don’t forget the millions of others whose lives continue in poverty, abuse and despair.

What Can You Do?

• Go to the “How Can You Help” section of Salaam Baalak Trust
• Read about child trafficking and what you can do at Oasis India’s website
• Donate to Childline India, the hotline for homeless children or those in trouble
  

While struggling to break the habit of a chocolate bar a day..(or let’s be honest…more) I became aware of how powerful an addiction to anything can be. Anything that takes away your independent will to make a decision is a form of enslavement.  I was addicted to caffeine and breaking free would require the thing I craved to become a ‘bitter taste’ in my mouth.

In reality, the dark underground that swirls around the underbelly of the cocoa trade in some portions of the west African coast is also slavery…albeit a far more destructive form of human entrapment, the horrible reality of child enslavement.  Of the estimated 300,000 kids working in the cocoa plantations of sub Saharan Africa, approximately 6% of those employed in the Ivory Coast are suspected to be employed through slave labor. The actual numbers range from 12,000 ~ 15,000 kids in the nation of Ivory Coast alone.

According to this compendium of articles, Ivory Coast is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa.  It’s the place where the big players go to get their supplies.  A  2002 report by Oxfam indicates that companies like Argill, Cadbury, Hersheys and Nestle buy their cocoa from commodities exchanges where Ivory Coast cocoa is mixed with other cocoa and sold on the world market.

In a well researched article on CNN Money by Christian Parenti entitled “Chocolate’s Bittersweet Economy” Parenti highlights the enormity of the problem in a country which supplies about 70% of the worlds cocoa.  It is a complex issue which involves the role of government, world markets, big business, extreme poverty and yes…Slavery.

But, it also involves each of us…YOU & I the consumer of these products.  For in the final analysis the market determines the eventual course of most economic entities.  Although slavery is not legal, the practise continues to exist because in simple terms…it can.  Focusing attention and bringing the spotlight to bear exposes the truth in it’s harshest terms. 

A BBC report on Child Slavery points out that the problem is world wide and includes  Asia, the nation of Haiti, Africa, the Middle East and in some parts of South America.  It is not that parents do not love their children; in most cases they are forced to sell their children out of the desperation which comes with abject poverty.

BUT, we err if we sit back and pass judgement and merely look on with consternation.  Because, the system needs an outlet.  Apart from a buyer, the entire house of card collapses.  The price of cocoa on the world commodities market is based largely on the price the western world is willing pay for it’s insatiable desire for the product.  When farmers are not paid a fair wage for their labor and are exploited by middle men, we become a part of the problem.  When we open our eyes and determine to know WHO is behind the product that we are consuming, we enter into line with the solution.

So, every consumer and dollar is a player whether we mentally acquiesce to it or not.  Our delicously sweet chocolate bars may not be that cheap or sweet at all.  In fact, they may be closer to the taste of quinine than any of us ever imagined.  Just a thought…

Last week I received an email from the Save Darfur Campaign that made me want to do my part. It easy. All you need to do is download the flyer and take a picture of yourself holding it. It’s too late now to have it on their banner in San Francisco, but you can post it on your website and let people know what is going on.

I’m not only doing this for the innocent people of Darfur. You see, China is responsible for selling arms to Darfur and they have played a major role in supporting the government of Khartourm and has aided its military so it has the ability to continue the genocide.

I am also doing this to help the innocent of Tibet. Tibet wants to become independent once again from China. You can take a look at the Free Tibet website and see how they are working to help. Their mission: Free Tibet Campaign stands for the Tibetans’ right to determine their own future. It campaigns for an end to China’s occupation of Tibet and for the Tibetans’ fundamental human rights to be respected.

You can read CNN’s article, San Francisco Braces for Olympic Torch Protests to see what is happening.

So this is what I can do from my house. What can you do?

Deep down inside, I distrust the notion that the world will simply change while we wait or because we hope it will. My gut informs me that change occurs because we make it happen!

A couple of weeks ago, I was watching a 60 Minutes piece about the Gulf State, Dubai. Steve Kroft interviewed the nation’s leader and traveled with him to a number of different areas of the country. During the broadcast, Kroft and the Sheik are watching a camel race. What intrigued me was that the jockeys were not human beings…they were robots!

Well, as Paul Harvey would famously say…”And now for the rest of the story.” Apparently, the use of robotic jockeys for camels is a fairly new development in the sport of camel racing. In fact, these robotic jockeys are so highly developed that they are controlled by their handlers from jeeps racing around the track shouting instructions into special hand held devices. They also wear a special perfume which makes the camels think they’re being cajoled by a real human being and not a machine. Amazing.

It’s even more extraordinary when you consider that a mere 2-3 years ago, the jockeys were little human beings… children. Many of whom had been sold or abandoned to child slavery. They were often mistreated and starved to ensure their cooperation and to keep their weight to a bare maximum of 45 pounds. Many did not survive and died, only to be buried in unmarked graves quickly washed over by the dessert sands.

So, what caused the shift from child slaves to robots? People! Sustained pressure and exposure by human rights organizations continued to point the spotlight on this barbaric practice. It was no longer comfortable or acceptable to use stolen children. A shelter was established in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to rescue these children and by 2005, it is estimated that over 800 children have been returned to their families.

But, there is another fascinating storyline which travels like an undercurrent to this tale. It’s a story about an Arabian princess, the daughter of the King of Jordon who married the Sheik in 2004. Princess Haya is a modern Arab woman who excelled in sports herself and competed for Jordon in Olympic equestrian events. One of Princess Haya’s passions is children. She is a Member of the Board of Directors of “The Right to Play” Foundation which encourages healthy, physical, social and emotional development amongst the world’s most disadvantaged children.

Today the Right to Play Organization harnesses the power of professional and Olympic athletes as well as volunteers who freely donate their time to harness the power of sports to educate children, teach Peaceful Conflict Resolution, provide health education and increase the awareness of the use of sports in humanitarian endeavors. The Right to Play works in partnership with organizations such as CARE International, International Labor Organization and the Red Cross. Their programs are currently being implemented in 20 countries in the Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

We hear a lot about “Change” these days. Today, the primary in Wisconsin is being heatedly contested on the basis of defining what Change will actually look like. Truth is…I don’t think anyone really knows. Every individual who is part of the process will be involved in doing their own unique part to create change. But, one thing is certain, change will not occur simply because we wish it to.

For in a sense, each one of us is a leader in our own world. Although we may not be influencing the ruler of a world government, we should never underestimate the power of our personal influence to effect change. Each one of us can choose to make a difference. And that… is never a small thing.

Related Stories:

BBC News: Child Camel Jockeys Find Hope

Ansar Burney Trust: Child Camel Jockeys

UAE Response: Child Camel Jockey Lawsuit & Goverment Actions

Picture of child jockey was obtained from Wikipedia and provided courtesy of Creative Commons License from Ansar Burney Organization.

*Note: a suit has been filed in Miami, Florida against the Sheik and his brother regarding allegations of the misuse of children.

He speaks of Burma.

And he reminds all of us that we are needed.

The Who
Burma, officially re-named “Myanmar” in 1989, is located in Southeast Asia and for the past fifteen years has been under the control of one of the most repressive governments in the world. This government, what is known as a military junta, is responsible for the destruction of over 3,000 villages in eastern Burma, the brutal rapes of countless women, the deaths of countless more, and the imprisonment of over 1400 dissenters- including Carrey’s “unsung hero”, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose political party, the National League for Democracy, won an astounding 82% of the seats in the country’s parliament but was never allowed to assume any office.

The Why
Traveling across Burma, I ask people why they want democracy. Very often the answer is, “We just want to be free.” -Aung San Suu Kyi

Burma has seen a complete deterioration of human rights. Headlines read like horror novels or long ago history lessons of terror and mayhem. Unfortunately, these tales of Burma are neither fiction nor long ago: Brutal rapes, child soldiers, bloody protests, peaceful demonstrations turned murder, imprisonment, hopelessness… These tales are very real and very terrifying and must be put to an end.

The How
Be not silent.

To become involved in the campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma or to learn more about their combined history and struggles, contact the United States Campaign for Burma, a U.S.-based membership organization dedicated to empowering grassroots activists around the world to bring about an end to the military dictatorship in Burma.

The When
You’re needed Now. We all are.

Right now, Outreach Asia is using all of its generous donations to provide clean water, upgrading educational services, and providing much needed medical care for the many people in this region affected by leprosy.

They have sponsorships available for children and families on their website, as well as information on all of their ongoing projects throughout Southeast Asia.

I am constantly amazed and inspired by the people and stories that I come across as I research information for these posts. I have been “introduced” to some really amazing people while compiling some of this information, both by the giving and receiving end of these gifts to humanity. There is a great little story about Mother Theresa on their site about how to end poverty…. but that’s a whole other post in itself!!!

Mike and Gina Peck have done all of the research and have the system in place. You can help them continue their work by donating to the work in Southeast Asia.

Mothers Fighting for Others

*photo credit: Outreach Asia

Once an entrepreneur has been indentified, Trickle UP extends the seed capital to start or expand a business. The money provided to do this is a grant, NOT a loan. Trickle UP works with the poor to develop a business plan, provide training, and provide the seed capital to be successful!

The typical Trickle UP entrepreneur is a woman under 40 who is responsible for raising children and paying for their schooling. Some of the entreprenuers have a disability or are living with HIV or AIDS. Those selected to receive a grant from Trickle UP (both men and women) are hard-working and resourceful.

Help turn someones dream of being self-sufficient into a reality by donating to this program.

Mothers Fighting for Others

Malaria parasites are transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. While there is currently no vaccination for the prevention of Malaria, mosquito nets have been very successful in preventing the spread of this disease. The regions hardest hit by this disease are Central America, Asia, Africa, and South America.

By registering your swim at World Swim Against Malaria and obtaining sponsors, you can make a difference within a community by supplying mosquito nets for the areas most at risk. 100% of the proceeds from your event go directly toward the cause, and none of the money raised is used for administrative salaries or expenses… JUST NETS!

This is a perfect way for swim team members and municipal swimming facilities to raise money and awareness for this cause. Inspire your community to make a difference!

Mothers Fighting for Others

“The Cambodian Children’s Fund was established in 2003 by Scott Neeson, then working as a film executive for a Hollywood studio, including time as President of 20th Century Fox International and as head of Sony Pictures’ international marketing. He exited the film industry in 2004 to work full-time on the charity. He is now Executive Director and lives year-round in Phnom Penh.”

Let’s start with where is Phnom Penh, Cambodia?

Cambodia’s history is a tragic one. The people of Cambodia are still suffering, and the children are the worst victims. From starvation to prostitution, the lives of some children are horrific to say the least.

Cambodian Children’s Fund is trying to change that, one child at a time. It started housing 45 children, and today the number has grown to 240. They have three facilities which they call CCF1, CCF2 and CCF3. Cambodian Children’s Fund provides more than shelter, clothes and food. Education and medical care is also on the top of the priority list. Even vocational training for the older children is provided. Computer skills, restaurant management, and cosmetology are a few that they offer.

In November of 2006 they opened the Star Bakery, which focuses on three main goals.

• Professionalized Vocational Training
• Bread Production For Commercial Sale
• Community Nutrition and Food Relief

Want to help support Cambodian Children’s Fund? There are three ways you can help. You can make a One-Time Donation, Donate Monthly or even sponsor a child . You can choose a child to sponsor and for $100 a month, you pay for the child’s full expenses at the CCF. Three meals a day – seven days a week, clothing which includes their school uniforms, medical care, and all the necessities for school such as books and pencils.

The contact information is:

Los Angeles, California: 4712 Admiralty Way, #278 Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Telephone: 310.694.6334 (Hours: M-Th 9-5 and F 9-12)			Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Telephone: +855 (0)23 223 492 Rome: Antonietta Angelucci Via Raffaele Stasi 00189 Roma Telefax: 06-33267565 Cell: 347-1413698 Email: angelbest@alice.it

What an amazing organization. I am so happy to have found CCF. Mr. Neeson, what an amazing man you are. If there were more people like you and the people you surround yourself with, the world would be a better place. Thank you for dedicating your life to these children and to their future.