Sixth formers have gotten together to help raise money for expectant mothers and children in Gaza through a bake sale. Amber Mirza (17) when asked what encouraged her to raise money for such a cause, stated, “My friend introduced me to a website, Muslim Hands, and the particular event that was going on and I instantly agreed to do it with her.” The conflict of Gaza has been on many peoples’ minds for some time and Amber stated that’s what encouraged her to get up and get involved. Amber commented on how young people are actively taking part in society and becoming increasingly aware. That young people are becoming more aware of social justice issues on conflict and violation of rights which has been shown through recent Women’s Rights Marches and the protest in London against the Muslim ban. Amber reflected on the advantage of having social media to connect with young people all across the globe, stating, “Social media and connecting through it allows young people to more easily publicise their issues and garner support and sponsorship.”
Influence was also a crucial element to have more people get involved for the cause. Amber mentioned how she encouraged her group of friends to partake in the event and due to the nature of the cause, people were compelled to become involved. That not a lot of persuasion was needed to have people contribute, since all were aware of the horrific incidents which had taken place in Gaza. When asked if she was optimistic that she’d raise enough, Amber enthusiastically proclaimed that they had already raised £350 and hope to raise up to £750 and with a generous contribution from the head teacher of £30, they were optimistic that they would achieve their aim.
The state of refugees is a constant and relevant issue in society and by raising money for women and children refugees, Amber considered it a small step in the right direction to tackle the issues that often seem so far away and impossible to overcome. When asked why she specifically wanted to raise money for expectant mothers and children in Gaza, Amber commented on the rising epidemic, that over half a million Palestinian refugees in Gaza live in the eight recognised Palestinian refugee camps, which have incredibly high population densities. Gaza also has one of the highest birth rates in the world but, as mentioned by Amber, “Unfortunately, extreme poverty and the ongoing conflict means that many mothers simply can’t access the care they need.” And for this reason, Amber believed, “that these vulnerable women and children deserve to have attention and support in every way possible even if our contribution is very small.”
Overall, this goes to show, that the quantity of one’s contribution does not define of how much one can change. It is about changing lives, altering lives, and striving to make them better. Injustice somewhere is a threat to justice everywhere, so to overcome the constant stigma, the youth have decided to come together, put aside everything to make a difference, no matter how big or small their contribution might be. Their anger towards the injustice which took place in Gaza encouraged them, empowered them to become socially active and do their best to remove the rising epidemic, to in their way, make a change.
Hamna Kashif - Ursuline Academy Ilford
