The September Project: “Live from Beirut”
It’s the first day of September, and here’s another plug for “The September Project (TSP)”. (See earlier post)
I must admit I didn’t know what was happening in Beirut when I was tasked to write this story. Stuck in my own world, I wasn’t even sure where Beirut was. After scouting around the Internet with great help from Wikipedia, I managed to get a gist of what’s going on. By the way, Beirut is in Lebanon. And click here to get up to speed on the Israel-Lebanon conflict.
As a means to get the ball rolling for TSP, I was tasked to conduct a phone interview with Kevin Cook of World Vision’s GRRT (Global Rapid Response Team), and I struggled to see the connection.
Background info: Kevin Cook (left) was in Lebanon last week providing much-needed relief to victims of the conflict. He has since left the region. The situation as of last Friday was “under control” when we spoke, because of a cease fire initiated by the United Nations.
“The Cease Fire Situation” mp3 file
(1.82MB, 1:54 min)
“What Kevin Cook does” mp3 file
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But it suddenly made sense when I asked Kevin if he’s been desensitized to the atrocities of the war he’s seen. His response struck a chord with me.
(1.16MB, 1:11 min)
I too, am somewhat numbed, I have to admit.
I hate watching the news because 90% of what I see is bad news. I can’t bear to look at those affected by it. Kevin mentioned feeling a sense of helplessness. ME TOO! It’s like looking at a big mess and feeling completely lost at what to do and where to start. The big difference between me and Kevin is that I was on my couch doing finger exercises with my remote control and complaining about the situation, while Kevin is actually doing something.
(960kb, 0:56 min)
Here in peaceful Singapore, many of us choose to look the other way when it comes to conflicts in other parts of the world. Don’t get me wrong, because I’m not saying that all Singaporeans are apathetic. I’m sure many of you have donated hard-earned cash or in kind to worthy causes. But I personally think that we can, and should, do more.
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“Why Kevin’s in Beirut” mp3 file
(908kb, 0:53 min)
“The victims” mp3 file
(956kb, 0:56 min)
Here in Singapore, the NLB wants you think write about literacy or peace or how literacy can bring about peace. If you’re not good with words, use any medium you are comfortable with to spread the message. Selected entries will be shared digitally with an international audience. The Top 3 entries will stand to win attractive NLB limited edition collectibles!
Send your entries to showteens@nlb.gov.sg together with your name, ic, telephone number and email address in either jpeg, mpeg3, mov, avi, ppt or doc format. (maximum file size: 1MB) by 22 Sept 06. (See the “Official poster”)
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September 6th, 2006 at 2:56 am
i feel the same way on how we can do more for those who need an extra hand. but thinking deeper into my life and many others, most of us are too caught up making the best out of our lives. and that is what makes me applaud those who are willing to sacrifice their personal time for the sake of others. their sense of unselfishness is what makes them special and all i can do in my part is to make the world a nicer place to those people i come across…
September 6th, 2006 at 5:47 am
I know just what you mean, especially about the thing about the news. Not only does it make me feel terribly helpless, it also makes me really sad.
September 6th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Yes as one of my friends said “it’s a big problem because they are MY problems” And this selfish attitude isn’t what the world needs right now. Baby steps toward making easing the situation is better than not doing anything.
I think Singapore should have more projects that send youth overseas to maybe rebuild homes and school once the situation is more stable. Somehow I feel that getting students to sell flags on the weekends is not an effective way to get them more involved in the community.
September 7th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
Hello Denise, nice post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I think it fits the theme of “my global neighbourhood” very well.