How can we help change the world? Communications and External Relations Manager, Mr. Kevin Cassidy recently spoke at our school about ways that we can change the world.
Part of the United Nations, The International Labor Organization (ILO), deals with all labor conditions from unsafe working conditions, unfair work, child labor, slave labor and more.
Based out of Geneva, Switzerland, the ILO has 183 member countries.
As a member of the ILO, Kevin Cassidy spoke to our students about the work he did and how we, as students, can do something about the labor issues around the world.
The job of the ILO isn’t to cause the problems, but to solve them.
“We work with governments to identify problems and the propose solutions. You can’t just go into any country. The United Nations isn’t about imposing a will on anyone,” said Mr. Kevin Cassidy.
Global warming is a factor that everyone around the world contributes to. Yet, there isn’t much the ILO or any single person can do to stop global warming. Since it is a factor that everyone contributes too, it is impossible for anyone to stop it from happening.
Currently, the ILO is trying to help people if their farms are destroyed as a result of global warming.
“Global warming is an international crisis that has taken a drastic effect on polar animals and ice caps. Individuals such as myself can take action by informing political leaders about the current status of the globe and how the temperature of Earth is escalating to a major concern,” commented senior Racquel Wood.
Furthermore, the ILO helps to eliminate child labor in many countries around the world. When a child is working all the time that means they are not being educated, and without an education they will have difficulty finding work.
“Education is an opportunity beyond a family’s situation,” said Cassidy.
So how can you help?
Spread the word. Let friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors know what’s happening all over the world. Also, as students we can become involved in volunteer work. There are many opportunities at our school that allow us to make a difference.
The environmental club is one way of getting involved. Furthermore, by joining Model United Nations, you can debate topics from child labor to nuclear warfare with other students around the city or country. Moreover, a trick-or-treat for Unicef campaign was initiated in our school. The money donated for this campaign helps Unicef gather and give things such as food, water, education, and medicine to children around the world.
However the main thing that students can do to help with issues around the world is to spread the word. Students can tell people that they know about major issues, and the more people that know problems the more people there are to eliminate them.
“What I liked about Kevin Cassidy’s speech was that he conveyed his passion about what he does. I feel that because he’s passionate, he can inspire students to make a difference and can help students become aware of global issues they are passionate about,” said Principal Ms. Aimee Horowitz.
Whether it’s eliminating land mines or helping child laborers, The International Labor Association and you can make a difference.
“It’s [ILO] a world leader in setting standards. However, its ability to actually enforce those standards are weak. When we see institutions that are weak, it’s the member states’ fault, not the institutions,” said guest speaker Simon Tay, professor of International Law at The Singapore Institue of International Affairs.”
