The past couple of weeks have been filled with interesting happenings.
Most importantly, I rediscovered the news - through the MamaMia website. Mia Freedman has long been my number one idol (and this is a pretty big feat, if you could see the list...). I could give you the massive list of reasons why, but I would prefer if you read her memoirs, also called "Mama Mia". I will even lend it to you!
Here are the three news issues which impacted me most this fortnight, and what I think of them. They are only my own views. Therefore, as a disclaimer: I don't claim to be infallible or to be an expert on any of the issues below, so don't read them as such. I am open to changing my views on any topic, if I am provided with reason to, and I will listen to your reasons. In order to be as short and sweet as possible, I have neglected to reference my information, if you would like some links, comment below and I will add them.
1. KONY 2012. Yes, this has been over-publicized and we are exhausted- give me four sentences and I will stop. My main problem is that the Invisible Children are a shady organisation who have produced a video which is basically a piece of propoganda and an advertising tool for their online store. It over-simplifies the issues in Uganda, (and the whole of Africa, and every third-world country) encouraging a violent man hunt which, even if it is successful, will achieve nothing in the long-term for the people of Uganda. In the video Jacob consistently and passionately talks about wanting to go to school. I believe the real way to overturn Kony and every other "bad man" in Africa and Uganda is to provide the resources and teachers to educate as many children as possible, creating an environment of hope and understanding in the community which can lead to change - supporting a violent man hunt only supports violence, and they have seen enough of that already.
2. THE BLACK DOG INSTITUTE. As the Kony 2012 campaign exploded into Facebook, a lot of people forgot about issues much closer to home, and this one was left for dead. In a nutshell; the institute has been training teachers to educate children on mental health issues, as part of the P.E curriculum. The program will begin in NSW, and then be rolled out across the rest of Australia. It's focused on teaching teenagers about mood disorders, recognising symptoms, understanding at-risk personality types, knowing where to get help and building resilience. Click on the link above to read the news release from Black Dog.
While there have been many attempts to educate teenagers about depression in schools, the current teenage suicide rates suggest these have been unsuccessful. I believe that the main reasons for this are; a) the programs are not taken seriously by students, b) there is not enough content covered by such programs because of limited time and resources, and c) these programs are run on the side, rather than as part of normal classes. The incusion of such education in the curriculum should make a massive impact. As I understand it, the program will be run through P.E classes, and be taught by the regular class teacher. It will therefore be graded, and I hope that this will mean students take it more seriously. Also, as it is part of the curriculum, it will probably be covered more in-depth, and the range of topics mentioned in the news release allude to this. That means kids will be getting a better education, which will talk about a range of issues rather than the simplification of mental health issues being only depression.
It is my hope that educating young people in a formal classroom education will reduce the stigma of mental health in our society. In a decade's time, it could mean that the mental health system is finally properly integrated with the health system, providing a much more accessible and affordable support to the public. The education of high school teachers could also lead to a drop in teenage suicide rates (which cause more deaths in this age group annually than car accidents) as the at-risk children are picked up on sooner. Educating teenagers also means that the friendship groups so important at this time are better equipped to support each other. Finally, it might make a real difference to the child welfare system- as mental health issues are better understood by society as a whole, we are more able to provide lasting support structures to the parents and families who need it most. Such great news. Kudos to Black Dog and the nib foundation!
3. 40 DAYS OF TREATS. Another issue overshadowed by the Kony 2012 debate is that of protesters who are silently praying outside abortion clinics in Austalia until April. All day, every day they will be standing outside specific clinics, preforming a silent vigil. Personally, I am strongly pro-choice. Regardless of your own views, though, this campaign is designed at heart to traumatise women and instill guilt in them. Simply put, it is mean-spirited.
When the same protest was happening in the UK, Carmen D’Cruz and Liz Lutgendorff decided to combat the negativity with baked goods and happiness. Basically, they turned up to the clinics with hampers of yummy food for the staff and patrons, spreading happiness and jam in equal measures. What I love about their idea is that it is so simple. It is what we would do for our sister, mother, neighbour in a hard time. Why not do it for a stranger if it is going to make a difference in their life? Such pure kindness.
As reported in this article from MamaMia, during the protests in Australia people are being encouraged to show the same support for the clinics. You can find a list of the effected clinics in the article, as well as more information about what is happening and how to help. I strongly encourage everyone to try and get to a clinic- it will only take a few hours, and you have until the end of April to do it. You will be making a difference to someone's day.
Well, that is the end of me for a day! Please comment below; the great thing about the internet is that we can all be part of the discussion, and I would love to hear your own views on all of these issues. Debate and discussion creates a better future for all of us. Promote change in your own views, and other people's. Comment!
