Kielburger offers impassioned call to action

A daily review of convention news from the staff of Reading Today

  Wednesday’s general session speaker at the IRA Annual Convention, children’s rights activist Craig Kielburger, moved the crowd with an impassioned presentation about ways all of us—including students—can make a difference in the world. In his own case, he noted that “what started as a group of a dozen 12-year-olds has grown into an international project.” The Free the Children organization, which he founded as a youngster, has gone on to build more than 400 primary schools and educate more than 35,000 children throughout the world.

Kielburger talked about the organization’s new campaign, “Me to We,” which emphasizes the difference that individuals can make. “A simple act of good can have a ripple effect we can never imagine,” he said.

Kielburger challenged teachers, students, and families to do what they can—large or small—to make the world a better place. He closed with a statement that Mother Teresa made when asked about how she approached her work. “In this life we can do no great things,” she said. “We can only do small things with great love.”

For further information about the “Me to We” campaign, visit the campaign website.