An organized group of young people in Sri Lanka are seeking to make a positive impact on the country. ‘History Maker International’, a youth organization formed by young members of community with links to youth in Canada, Singapore, United States, Malaysia and India believe that a radical change must come from the younger generation of Sri Lanka to change the country for the better.
The organization established in 2002 was founded by Dr. Woodrow Blok and has trained over two thousand people. These people in turn have gone around the globe to places like Singapore, Myanmar and India and conducted programs helping youth of other nations. “We help the youth regain a sense of morality. It could be in any aspect of life. For example, in a business sense, not to fall into bribing or give bribes, to be more ethical. How to be morally aware at school. After the end of war we began a reconciliation process in the south and places like Colombo and Kandy, getting children to accept and love their Tamil brothers,” says twenty seven year old Dinesh Michel, the Director of History Maker International.
He and his wife, twenty five year old Kaylah Michel are the pioneers of the programme in Sri Lanka. ‘’We were contacted by the organization in 2003 and were happy to take on the task of helping the youth of Sri Lanka. It helps that we come from their generation so we make sure that we conduct programs they relate to including the tone of voice and modes of expressions they understand.”
The director also emphasizes on some of the major concern faced by youth today. “The present moral degradation is a major concern. There are nearly forty thousand child prostitutes and the highest suicide rate between the ages of fifteen to seventeen, in the world. There needs to be a change and change must happen now,” He also noted that there are 1000 abortions a day and that it is an alarming statistic. “Most of them are between the ages of sixteen to twenty five.” added concerned Michel.
History Makers International held their conference in Sri Lanka last month. The key speakers included Speakers Dr. Woodrow Blok, Dr.Melanie Blok from US and Steve Roberts from Malaysia. “Currently this program is being conducted in sixteen countries in Asia and even beyond.” said Michel. “This movement is spreading across the globe. Countries like Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Australia are taking part.”
Michel also explained that the group had many gatherings creating awareness among the young people in Sri Lanka prior to the conference. “We also have training institute named the Harvest Leadership Institute that also trains budding leaders.” adds Michel. The group affirms that they will continue to motivate youth to make a significant difference in their communities and in the nation. |
E-mail
