Young Journalists and Writers Raise Voices on Global Issues

Young Journalists and Writers Raise Voices on Global Issues an article by Zvijezdana Marković (a writer of YJAW) on YJAW blog

 Read more: http://www.mladiinfo.eu/2015/04/03/young-journalists-and-writers-raise-voices-on-global-issues/#ixzz3h0NI6x3Z

Rethinking Development

The term ‘development’ has come a long way since its inception.  In the period following World War II, ‘development’ became significant both as an enterprise and a scholarly discipline.  The notion of development emerged amidst the need of reconstructing Europe which was shattered by the war. Institutionalarrangements were made to expedite the development process. The establishment  of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) was a  stepping stone to this effect. More importantly, theorizing about special challenges facing backward regions and countries became dominant in the discourse of development.  Moreover, equating development with industrialization was rampant in the initial stage. The social and human dimensions of development were largely missing.  The ultimate goal was to raise income and give access to a range of goods and services to the people. It was about getting more prosperous, and prosperity was measured in dollars.

The wave of decolonization which gained momentum in the wake of the war also pushed forward the agenda of development via industrialization. The newly independent states of Africa, Latin America and Europe began to pursue development as a need to improve the lives of their citizens. Maintaining their newly acquired independent status also required them to economically self-sustain. Thus, it was natural for the emphasis being laid on economic dimension of development.

Against this backdrop, defining the development needs of the third world countries became a prerogative of the Western world. The industrialized West tried to impose their development model in  the third world countries. For instance, in the name of structural adjustment policies, these underdeveloped countries were required to comply by the rule of the market economy i.e. less state, more market intervention. To receive the foreign aid and grant, it became mandatory for these countries to pursue the market based development model.  Consequently, this prescription failed to cater the unique development aspirations of the third world. This is to say the third world still fails to invent their  own model of development. What type of development intervention is needed in this part of the world? What are the peculiar development aspirations? Are they exactly same as  the west or are they unique? If our needs are unique, then can a single approach cater them? These are some of the critical questions that we need to ponder over before initiating any development activities in our country.

The neo-colonization in the form of foreign assistance has severe repercussions on our development initiatives. The conditionality of such foreign aid is hazardous to the sustainable development of a third world country. On one hand, it has stifled local development efforts. On the other, the vested interests of the donors have been catered at the cost of  national sovereignty and integrity.

At this juncture, it is crucial to critique development. There can be no universal model of development and development cannot be uni-dimensional. Economic prosperity cannot be a sole determinant. Socio-cultural and value based dimensions are inextricably tied to the notion of the holistic development. Improving social relations, demonstrating ethically responsible development behaviours among others are of no less prominence. Particularly the third world countries need some audacity on their part to pursue a new course of development that best serves their interest. Replicating the West Centric model of development may have helped to bring foreign aid and grant, but it has distorted the local development initiations in these countries.

Development based on locally available resources is necessary because it will ensure sustainability. The use of labor skills and equipments that are available in our own community assumes greater prominence to achieve sustainable development. The traditional knowledge that we have needs to be integrated with the modern education, thereby aiming at a result that will help not only the present generation but also the future generation to satisfy their own needs. Likewise, this model of development will help us to carve the trajectory of our nation’s long term growth based on our own original knowledge and research. Rather than depending on other bilateral and multilateral organizations to initiate community based projects, if we can start on our own,this will become effective.

It is high time that development be redefined in our own context. Gradually inclining towards reducing the dependency on the Western world needs to be seriously contemplated. Based on the locally available resources, the path to socio-economic transformation can be carved. It is imperative that the policy makers in the third world countries think about envisioning a development aiming at  the best utilization of the resources- both human and non-human that are at their  disposal. Encouraging local industries and acknowledging the labor that people are putting into can be a major departure to accelerate economic development. In the same way, developing strategies to improve the quality of education and health by revamping the current institutional practice, thereby reducing the donor-led reforms assume great significance. Ensuring the meaningful participation of local communities in the decision making process of the local institutions is indispensable to accelerate development. Likewise, thinking development beyond monetary terms should be practiced.

By

Kushal Pokharel

Nepal

Write for Girls

Every young adolescent girl all over the world is being assaulted by society based on her gender, she often gets beaten, raped and in some countries even murdered. It is a huge problem that can cause young girls to feel as if they are not an important part of society and it can destroy their self esteem. I’m sure that every young girl is special in her own unique way and because of that they should be respected and allowed to be who she really is.They are often afraid to talk about that, but when the whole world is silent, even one single voice becomes powerful.
Every girl should have the dignity, respect, education and freedom she deserves. The best way to help young adolescent girls is to unleash their own potential to change the world. God bless those ambitious young adolescent girls who are willing to fight for their rights!
By
Ermina Beganovic

FORBIDDEN WISHES

Poem - Genre: Gothic Fiction

At the hillside a beauty feel so blue..
Picking rue by the light of the moon..

She was a divinity's creature but, attuned...
A dark sinister as bible construe...

Hoping mercy would show her face...
To a gothic revival in her way....

Sarah, she was a sign of pure yin...
But in a deep love with an angel of sin...

That queen of snow certainty deprived...
In a tainted perdition, and then she cried....

Abandon to love was the only settlement,
But oh God! it is an immortal sentiment...!!!

By
Sarah Bhurgari Pakistan

What is this life

Life —a set of philosophies, emotions, expectations, struggles and achievements. Sometimes, it amuses the mind of a person; this is something beyond the limitations of a human mind. It takes a lifetime to comprehend the purpose of this blessed "Life". This life is a precious gift of Almighty to His creation. Its purpose  is to discover your gift; the meaning of life is giving your gift away. 

Life is a race there is no other destination but grave. It is a game played by everyone, where your performance will figure out your consequences. Life is a waiting room where the wait ends on the moment which leads to eternal life. It is a colorful journey that depends upon the miscellaneous ideas of a person. Life is an art: how to know, deal, and lead the people. Life is what we make it. It is all about faith, knowledge and great understanding between mind and soul. Life is a continuous struggle; one only gets whatever he believes in and whatever he struggles for. Although, Man may be captain of his soul and master of destiny.

The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings. Life is a race between good and evil, between your attitude and aptitude, your dedication towards your destiny. It is a war between heart and mind. The mind adjusts and materializes the ways to overcome this materialistic world but only the heart discovers the absolute destiny. Only the heart knows how to find what is precious. There is only one journey, going inside yourself. Life is an examination whose question paper is same since long, defined and publicly announced.

The life of this world is merely a deception and a test for all. What is eternal is the life after death and we have to realize this fact before our time runs out. As Quran says:

"It is He who has created death and life that He might try you—which of you is best in deeds; and He is the mighty, the most forgiving." (67:3)

We in today's life remain in search of power and fame; we keep running for the accomplishment of our desires. A poor man striving to get one meal throughout his life, lives with satisfaction and gratefulness to God for blessing him whatever he desired for. That poor man is leading a better life. As compared to the people living in this scientific age who make themselves the powerful and successful man of the world but have done nothing for the life after death, because they didn't have time to interpret the true essence of life.

Life comes with no guarantees, no time and no second chances. You only live once but if you do it right once is enough. Life started since the birth of Adam; life comes with ups and down. Mistakes are the second name of experience. One who will learn from his mistakes, will lead to a meaningful life. An adversity of a life builds up character of a man.

Everything happens for a reason. Life should be to serve humanity and never harm anyone from your soul. As Rumi said, "This world is a mountain in which your works are echoed back to you".

According to Iqbal, the rhetorically attributes of man should be: we can't direct the winds but can adjust our sails; turn your doubts to question, turn your question to prayers and turn your prayers to God. Be the rainbow in the storms of life. Life is to the fullest; live it's every moment meaningfully, keeping an eye on its end. Life is a story, write it by yourself under the shadow of divine rules.

By Maya Halepoto

C.S.S. Academy Latifabad

The importance of volunteering

With busy lives, perhaps it can be hard to find time to be a volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also help protect your mental and physical health, learn more about the many benefits of volunteering and find tips on getting started as a volunteer. Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly in at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in.

For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be of benefit to your career.

Many volunteers take up volunteering to add meaning to their lives. Most people intrinsically believe that the meaning of life has something to do with helping people, and volunteering can make you feel like you are in harmony with that.

After all, when asked why they volunteer, many people say simply “To make a difference” or “It’s something I believe is important.”.

Volunteer work comes in numerous forms and is also carried out by a broad range of diverse individuals. Many people involved in volunteering are specifically trained in the area they choose to work in, such as emergency rescue, first aid, medicine and education.

Why not spend a little time helping others, because in the end, what goes around comes around. Volunteering is not only effective but it is also,is a good way to meet people, learn, and develop social skills. By helping or supporting others, you learn and use new skills, gain confidence, build yourself. A volunteer also benefits themselves because they get to see how their contribution has made a difference.

This experience contributes to personal development, especially in areas such as self-fulfillment, self-confidence, and self-esteem which often flourish in the midst of volunteering experiences. The selfless act of volunteering provides a spiritual enhancement as well. Knowing that you made a positive impact on someone is an emotionally uplifting experience that can never be matched by money or fame.

Volunteering is a fun and an easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work that you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments.
On the other hand – there will be people who will declare that volunteering is an individual process, and nobody can force a person to do something against his their will.
Most importantly, make sure you’re having fun! The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. So where do you start?


By Nikolina Kunić

Prijedor
Bosnia & Herzegovina

The Witch

My eyes watched

as her teary eyes begged:

wanting me, as adult

to come to her defense.

I looked in her face

and my head I shook:

with my very mouth,

I pronounced her witch

It was the mark:

the scar so black,

the stutter in her speech,

both things can only from a demon come

As I threw the rock a thought occurred:

her stutter might be result of illness,

the scars so black may be marks from exorcism.

As I stared at her lifeless body, a passerby asked:

‘Who has more guilt,

a suspected witch, or the one who kills her?’

By Adejoh Idoko Momoh

* The poem serves to highlight the condemnation of young Nigerian girls mostly in the South South region as witch children and their eventual lynching or exorcism. The children, thought to be witches, are abandoned, tortured and killed by their own families and communities.

Fettered Fancy

Oh, My Adam and Eve!!

Know, it takes time to heal

The wounds of infidelity,

The scratches of betrayal.

Fears of tossing coins every moment

And flipping of right and wrong,

Is no easy to be subdued.

It require ages, subsiding the pain

Of loss and letting go.

Woes of learning and yearnings of love!

And of wrong decisions,

Yeah, “nothing is more painful than learning”.

Agony of being judged

Of trials and assessments

Is not beyond your courage..!

But suffering is a necessity to polish the jewel

Be fearful and not be afraid!

Do fall but be righteous and repentant!

Unveil your path

But destiny will follow you

"Wish and imagine"

But for that

Bear the longings of tattered heart

Stand against the tethered longings

Be stoical and obliged

And only then

There’ll be hidden treasure somewhere

Will be bestowed on your heart

The peace and serenity

Until then

Keep yelling but keep going

Because there is no choice to quit

Or any way for quitters

Now, go!

Go and make your own world of dreams

Live the life you want to create

Pursue, what’s in your heart

You are free to go!

Oh you innocent being,

Think, choose, and decide!

Think on your own

Follow your own paths!

But beware

From now on, you’re in a hoax!

By Mubashra Manzoor

Women: Pride or Prejudice

Pride, the word describes the superiority, and we are habituated to put this adjective to men only. But have we thought, if this word would be addressed to women, then what turmoil might  happen? Surely, lots of male were dissatisfied and vehemently criticized the process as insane and still put the women at the bottom of the society as a prejudicial view. This politics of the word not only shows the aggressiveness towards, women but also reflect the male chauvinism.

Taking the reference from the female scholars, Simon De Bevoir, in Second Sex critically examines the contrast between men and women as:

I am sometimes vexed during abstract discussions to hear men say to me, “You think thus and such because you are a woman.” But I know that my only defense would be to respond, “I think it because it is true,” thereby eliminating my subjectivity. It would be out of the question to reply, “And you think the contrary because you are a man”; for it is understood that the fact of being a man is not a singularity. A man is in the right in being man: its woman who is in the wrong. (LDS 1:14, TM; TSS xxi)

         This opinion clarifies the gap between men and women which are right and wrong in the parameter of societal view respectively. This kind of view was germinated when the society was upbringing from it’s nascent to developed stage. But the recent trend in development by the donors through NGOs/INGOs has emerged as a panacea to uplift the status into developed form.

Taking the reference of SAARC countries, we can take glimpse of the female body the main role in government and other countries.

 Especially in Nepal, we can see the bigger picture of women in a positive way. Nepal has gone through the civil war for years and as a result from that, it has established as a republic nation and freedom of expression was a catchphrase for women. From this example, we can see that it takes time to dismantle the traditional view to come in a positive form.

As we are in the 21^st century we should take a leading role to educate the family, society and ultimately to the whole nation that we are equal human beings and there shouldn’t be any distinction between the sexes. Youth can be the catalyst to change this mentality and advocate the community by being a voluntary goodwill ambassador. Girls and boys should join the hand and lead the small project like empowering society in the issues of sex, gender and teach the positive view. Apart from the individual initiation, government should take a lead role to come up with the clear strategical view which benefits the gender concept.

If we want to really see the world as a gender balance, first and foremost we have to deconstruct the word prejudice and honor the women with the word pride. Real change comes when we join the hand and go together for the genuine cause.

By Suraj Sharma

Reference:

Beauvoir, Simon de. “The Second Sex.” Critical Theory since Plato. Ed.Hazard Adams. New York: Harcourt, 1992. 993-1000.

The Strength of Meaning

The Strength of Meaning

A crowd, a square, a computer screen,
Banners rattle and voices scream
Rants, revolts, clamour and claims,
A cause is distorted and maimed
Through the temperamental cry
Of revolutionaries gone awry
By bloodlust and greed for rebellion,
Their conflicts just a collection
Of proud and empty demonstrations
Of individualism that shuns
The true goal of collective action for real change.

Not just Facebook likes or retweets.
Yet there they are on the streets:
"Say it louder!", they say, bracing
Themselves, adrenaline racing
With anticipation of clashes
Of opinion or real damage
"We need the attention", they say,
(Which could be read another way)
"Raise the sign higher! The cameras
Must record how we shatter glass"
No matter the innocent owner,
His shop and prospects left to smoulder
For all they care: their voices must be heard!

But here is the catch, my friend-
"No time! March, March!"
Democracy cannot just depend
On slogans chanted at the behest
Of the media obsessed
"Louder! Chant louder!"
Their meaningless search for vain glory,
To appear on the biggest story:
They are missing the point.
"What are you waiting for? LOUDER, I SAY!"

Listen.

Without that, there can never be true strength in those loud voices.

by Valentina Iricibar
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

unpredictable faces

Some unpredictable faces
Drown me into thoughts
Why heart beats are so elongated?

Those people, having influential gestures
Pretending their serenity
Then, I wedged hurdles behind the souls

Those parched lips
Have nothing to utter
Trying to elucidate the mystery, why they are living?

Light returns after every night
Happiness appears beyond the tears
That hope, will soon bring reasons to their lives

by Umair Asif

Old Ravian/Activist

Pakistan

Resurrection

Resurrection

Deeds and behaviours that torture the mind,

Which I have seen the true face of mankind!

Snooper by nature, and loquacious by face,

They vilify others for their personal sake.

The beast with thousand masks,

How keen to do specious tasks!

Fed up with misappropriation and ostentation,

I become misanthrope and opted isolation.

They ostracized me, claimed as dead;

Labeled as peevish and cunning they said.

Stay away from them I just warn;

I am not dead, I’m born.

By Farwa Shafqat

Old Ravian

Pakistan