Youth for Youth
by Bistra Kumbaroska on 5th October, 2011 at 6:28 AM CEST
One of the world’s most famous humanitarian Mother Teresa was born in my home country, Macedonia. I believe that for most of the Macedonians, as well as world citizens, she was a role model to praise and learn from in so many areas. Why am I mentioning Mother Theresa?
To be honest, the new QC Youth for Youth, flash-backed my school years and student life in Skopje, Macedonia’s capital city, the times when life was enough just as it was, and books were never enough as I was always hungry for more. Times when we could just “have it all”: partying, studying, hanging out... not so serious in our intentions, not so sure in our future, simply young and free, and a little bit crazy :)
But what this has to do with Mother Theresa and the new QC?
Those were the same days when with a group of friends, we decided to teach English to children from the closest orphanage. Yes, in the middle of one of those student parties, we were taking about life, values, childhood, doing something meaningful... and here we were, a group of English language and literature dpt students, eager to practice our theoretical knowledge and give free lessons in English. So why not choose the orphans, the young people who are certainly hosted well but still have restricted social life? And you know what, we did it. We organised it together with the orphanage manager, gathered a group of 15 youngsters and gave them few lessons full of funny stories, games, ice breakers and interesting conversations.
We connected. After few months, just before Christmas, I paid another visit, bringing some clothes I didn’t use and few New year gifts for the children. They still remembered me. Their eyes shined like I was Santa Clause, although I was not dressed as so. One cute boy asked me:
- Have you heard of Mother Theresa?
I said yes.
Do you think she was helping people since she was young? Since she was a child? - the boy added.
I smiled and hugged him. He was right. Everything started at some point in time, probably with a small step. Evolution is not only for species, but also for ideas. When the small steps become global steps, then we’ve created a movement. If the movement is strong and persistent, it will surely make an impact.
But, let me get back to the present and ask you something right now:
Shall we make an impact?
Youth for Youth challenge is waiting on us. Join in with all of us!
~ Bistra, C:F Writer, Action Team #6
Bistra | C:F staff
Thanks Reena,
I really enjoyed writing this article and sharing my experience with you. I would love to hear other similar stories too... do share any experience of this kind. All the best, Bistra
5th October, 2011 @ 12:13 PM CEST
Mayank Rajput | Action team
Bistra this is an inspirational piece
i have always wanted to do many things
but have mostly refrained from taking the initial steps
i will surely do something on the same lines soon
5th October, 2011 @ 9:05 PM CEST
Bistra i really love your piece. it was really inspiring .
I have always wanted to do something for the orphans. you will make that possible.
5th October, 2011 @ 11:56 PM CEST
Bistra | C:F staff
Thank you Mayank, thank you Ernest!
It is nice when you have people around, who are supportive and wish to do such things together with you. I am glad we have C:F, as a place for sharing these ideas and realizing them together! Can't wait to hear your experiences...
6th October, 2011 @ 9:25 AM CEST
I am happy to read so many nice comments, looking forward to see actions. And getting into some actions already, will hear about them in very soon time.
6th October, 2011 @ 11:02 PM CEST
Great story Bistra. Sometimes I wish there would be more people like Mother Teresa. And yes its not easy, but i also believe, that we students and youth can one day become more social responsible, and make world a little bit better place.
8th October, 2011 @ 12:21 AM CEST
Dan Croitoru | C:F staff
Very nice inspiring story Bistra. And it's just amazing how simple ideas can drive actions. I'm sure that each one of us is capable of achieving far more than we think we can achieve. We just need the right inspiration, or the right party in this case :)
8th October, 2011 @ 8:18 PM CEST
TITILAYO IJAGBEMI | Action team
Sure Bistra, We can and shall make impact, First within our families, then among our peers, in our community and nation after which we will then spread our wings globally. (Around the world. Across all oceans, Hills Mountains that may want to hinder us from penetrating our vision). Nice Touch Bistra....
10th October, 2011 @ 2:40 PM CEST
Jatin Kataria | Action team | CF Chapters
very special sharing n touchy as wel...
i love d way u liv ur life.. act of kindness part of life not few moments only... u became of those children and they will remember you forever in their life.. thats wat matter at d end.. world needs people like you a lot.. so keep moving and keep inspiring ppl lik us .. :)
Thanks sister for sharing my words.. :)
26th December, 2011 @ 12:22 PM CEST
reena kataria
touchy...n amazing one...
appriciable cause...must must do dt...
as my bro always say...
"if not now than when , if not we than who?"
3 cheers for what you did congrats for that...
5th October, 2011 @ 11:59 AM CEST