When we think about development, I think our minds automatically move to some exotic foreign climes. We think of heat stroke, deserts, humidity and dusty roads. In our mind eye, we see bare-footed children with smiling faces, men with calloused hands and women laden with worry and water.
Of course, these assumptions are true. There are one billion people starving in these circumstances, most of them women. There are millions of children who will never see inside a classroom, many of them girls. And, there are millions who have a life sentence. Having contracted HIV/AIDS, they cannot expect to live beyond a decade.
I would never want to deflect from these real and pressing issues, but today, I’d like to focus on development in my home community.
For more than 5 years, I have been involved in a youth organization called Spunout. When I first came on board, it was a small start up website. Today, it is an award-winning national advocacy organisation which provides a platform for young people to ‘be the change they want to see in the world’. (Not, I hasten to add, because of my contribution!)
It’s run by a couple of dynamic, creative, social entrepreneurs who strive for social change. It aims to inspire and empower young people, encouraging them to act in the face of the injustice they see around them.
SpunOut.ie is an interactive online community providing health and lifestyle information, signposting to support services, a youth media space, moderated discussion forums, and a platform for youth engagement, civic engagement, participation and advocacy.
When you’re young, every problem seems enormous. Spunout offers young people a safe platform to be heard and respected. Importantly, Spunout is youth-led.
Ireland is a developed country. It is wealthy, prosperous and democratic. Yet, it faces the same challenges as developing countries. Social problems, inequality, unfair distribution of wealth and a lack or resources challenge us every day.
The ongoing success of Spunout highlights the power that we all have to make a difference in our home communities, and indeed, the world.
Take a look here: http://www.spunout.ie