Teen Summer Program
Articles by Arjun Awashti
First day of Teens 09
On the morning of June 29, 2009, a group of 32 teenagers - nervous and anxious – met at a small conference room at the ground floor of the H building. They searched around the room with inquisitive eyes; they wanted to know these new faces they were seeing, they wanted to make a new beginning and most of them wanted to just do something for summer. All of this, as I observed, was happening whilst schedules and maps were being distributed and Introductions were being made by the President of the WBFN as well as introductions of the other compassionate and diligent members of the WBFN. The Teen Summer Program began like this. It was rather interesting to see the various cultures that most of the Participants came from. Albeit, such was expected, however there were differences in heritage, lifestyle, languages and the likes. What always amazes me about such multi-cultural programs is that no matter where in the world one comes from one always finds something in common with the other person! While interacting and meeting with the participants myself I learnt just how easy it was in today’s world to just go up and start a conversation with someone who might live 6000 miles away from you. The internet and other electronic media fascinate me at how they tie teenagers together more than anything.
After we shared a few laughs and had a few interactive ice breaker conversations regarding ourselves, it was time to head on for the photo session. There we met the warm and very inspiring Managing Director of the World Bank – Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. She was very passionate about the work of the World Bank and was very happy to see so many teenagers enthusiastic about getting to know the World Bank more. The Photo Session gave the students another chance to share a common experience since the beginning of their school years – long group photographs!
The lunch was where it became informal and everyone really started getting acclimatized to the ways of the program. They started to talk more over a delicious and appetizing meal of pizzas and fried chicken (the best kind of food that there is). Lunch was where discussions ranged from music to political issues. It was a time where everyone got an opportunity to connect with one another.
The orientation program began after the lunch and it was there that the participants and others present alike were introduced with the history of the World Bank. What it was, and is today along with facts about how it is run and how it really works to alleviate poverty – its main mission. Everyone listened intently and tried to understand the different departments mentioned and some even finally understood what their parents really do.
It was an educational and a productive way in many sorts. I think the key word to describe the basic nature of today’s program was – relationships. How they were created in a short span of a few hours and how they may hopefully sustain for a much longer period.
Earth, now or never
In 1962 the first satellite images of the Earth, as seen from space, were witnessed by us. When we saw our world for the first time we were amazed and in awe. We realized its importance and suddenly earth became more than simply ‘an inhabitable planet’ it became a treasure. It was shortly after these times that the first pro-environmentalist movements were started. A new concept of sustainable development came into being. Words and terms such as ‘renewable energy’ and ‘photovoltaic cells’, breakthroughs in physics and the efforts of all man towards preserving all that is vital to our planet were started from then on from seeing a silent blue and green mass drifting through a black abyss of virtually nothing.
On Friday 2nd July, the participants of the Teen Summer Program were shown an award winning movie – ‘Home’. It was a photographic and artistic frenzy which showcased the brilliance which is Earth. It was basically a reflection on what has become of earth rather than an accusation of what man has done and continues to do.
We had a short question answer discussion after the movie where I heard some very interesting words being said out. ‘Sharing, Denial, Choices, Needs and Interests’ these word signify, essentially, the most important characteristics that make us human. But one aspect of human nature that I have personally encountered while reading, watching movies or just by speaking to people is an emotion and in some cases a state of mind interestingly common to every human on this planet - fear.
Fear can be described as ‘the apprehension of impending danger’. Every individual fears something – a mother fears for her child’s life, education and security; a student for his grades and likewise a businessman for his profits. The biggest reason that has led to this ‘environmental and ecological meltdown’ is the fact that people are fearful that they will become poor, that they will lose their luxuries, that they will lose everything they have worked so hard to build; and then comes their denial, a refusal to accept that what they are doing is actually causing problems on a global scale. Then when we least expect it, it comes up straight in our faces in the form of a movie saying ‘more than 50% of all grain that is grown is fed to livestock for meat’ or ‘The Island of Borneo, one of the richest places on earth in terms of forests and bio-diversity has lost more than 90% of all its forests’. Then we act and try to fix back everything out of guilt that has accumulated. The fact is that even though you may glue together a broken pot you can still see the cracks. Even if we act now and even if we try to fix things, we have disturbed our planet’s natural balance and we have lost things that will never come back. This is not cynicism or pessimism, this is hard cold reality.
Perseverance, patience, systematic and intelligent decisions, as well as hard work and a big dose of hope can and will save the earth. When has the human race given up? There have been challenges that we have faced and we have conquered. The first step towards ‘saving’ our Earth is acceptance, then the stage of co-operation and action ‘we are one, our planet does not know borders, we as people make them’ should be our mantra. It is a high possibility that we may not survive this. There is also a small possibility that we will and be triumphant. This is a one of a kind test and hopefully we will face up to it and emerge winners. Remember that all of us are accountable to this treasure of the universe. Earth is our one and only.
Days in Learning
On the 6th of July the participants of the Teen Summer Program headed to the IMF. It was a first hand learning experience for the teens as they met some of the most important figures in the International Monetary Fund. Presentations were made by people such as one of the Executive Directors, Mr. Age Baker, who explained to them the diverse roles the IMF has to play. First of all the IMF is considered a ‘firefighter’. This is because it provides immediate ‘emergency’ relief to poor and developing countries in the form of short term monetary loans. It works as a ‘Coach’; it helps the developed countries tackle fiscal issues as well as provide individual economic and policy as well as decision making assistance to the other member countries. It is lastly an ‘Architect’ as well. It gives member countries who are asking for help a framework for growth by providing technical assistance and resources such as economic and public policy consultants. The IMF has long been criticized but I believe it is actually working within strict guidelines to try to be fair to all member countries.
There was an engaging ‘money game’ which had currency from all over the world and was a way to show the participants the various factors that cause inflation and deflation in economies and how exactly the US Dollar is used as the standard unit across the world. There was another presentation made on Africa and the real problems being faced by poor countries due to the economic meltdown. It was a very informative experience as many stereotypes of the nature of IMF’s work were cleared.
On the 7th of July the participants went to the Inter American Developmental Bank again. There was a very exciting discussion regarding a case study focused on rural development. Each participant was given this case study to read and groups of about 5 each were made. The project was to basically highlight the problem areas of this fictional place and help identify where money should be given and where investments should be made to achieve positive long term goals of growth. The teens were introduced to a concept known as the ‘Problem Tree’ where the roots are causative factors, the trunk is the main problem, and the branches are the various effects. The inferences made by the participant were mature and knowledgeable considering the limited amount of information given in the Case. Someone suggested that the roots and the causes were interchangeable since it is a vicious cycle, another suggested that each problem has a different priority level and can be weighed against others and many others were of the opinion that once the ‘roots’ were cut off the problem tree would instantly fall. It was a fulfilling debate that stimulated the thinking cells of the participants. It was a kind of 101 introduction to the real world. Where real time problems such as lack of infrastructure, poverty, environmental degradation & conservation as well as education were discussed and understood. Later a movie was shown on the cultural life and dimensions of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Both these days were immensely productive and creative in their ways. They made the young minds think and question sensitive issues and understand workings of these magnificent organizations. It still continues to amaze me how much there is that the youth of my generation has to offer – they are intelligent, well read and sensitive as well as being responsive to issues surrounding them and affecting their worlds. The IMF and the IDB are really are doing a lot to help.
July 8th 2009
At the Teen Summer Program the participants have been given presentations and talks, they have been shown movies and have had discussions with senior authorities from the World Bank Group. On Wednesday the 8th of July they went to the IFC or the International Finance Corporation. So far it had been understood that the World Bank Group focuses on working with the governments of the different countries it works with. It is true that the WBG works with the governments; however, the IFC is an interesting organization since its main focus is to provide economic growth in the private sector of developing countries. They are interested in feasible investments in projects that they are sure will be successful. The success of these projects will lead to the provision of employment and the growth of the economy. Common areas of investment include fisheries, agriculture, education, and even business enterprises.
The IFC only works with the Private Sector and therefore choosing a company to invest in is a hefty task as the participants learnt. The teenagers were divided into groups and were given three case studies, with each group receiving one. The participants then debated the pros and cons of the investment and how if they invest their investment will be profitable to the Country, Company and IFC. Each team then presented their ideas to the audience. It was a very interactive and interesting activity. What made it unique was the fact that in a span of about 2 or 3 hours the teenagers were able to have a firsthand experience with the work of the IFC.
It must be understood that when the topic of development has to be tackled the international organizations are working to provide holistic development. There must not only be alleviation of poverty but also a provision of a strong public and private sector. The strength of these sectors will lead to reforms and in some areas creation of education, healthcare, employment and sustainability. It is a very bold endeavor when one thinks about it; trying to individually provide help to the majority of the world sounds like an enormous task. But thankfully these organizations are there and are helping.
Viva America!
Latin America and The Caribbean; when the mention of these regions arise it evokes in all of us images of an exotic and alive part of the world. It is vibrant, colorful, diverse and rich in its culture and history. The sheer beauty of this region is iconic. From the jagged peaks of the Andes to the dense, hot and verdant expanse of the Amazon Rainforest to the dry and desolate Atacama Desert. According to Goldman Sachs BRIMC review of emerging economies, by 2050 amongst the largest economies in the world will be two Latin American countries – Brazil and Mexico.
All of this sounds brilliant. And frankly it is amazing to me and to everyone to see the potential for growth that lies in Latin America. However, there lies the problem – only a potential for growth has been unraveled. Due to many social, political and economic factors this path towards growth has been inhibited.
The main areas of concern in this region are poverty and lack of social equity as well as an issue of industrial and economic expansion while trying to maintain environmental sustainability. Education and the provision of credible employment is another factor that influences the development of the country as well as its people. Many problems arise from gender inequality issues as well. Mostly both these issues are interrelated, in the rural areas of most countries it is common for women to have no access to education. Because there is no access to education it leads to lapse in family planning it also leads to making illogical choices and decisions for personal and individual advancement. However the biggest issue that remains is poverty and according to the 2008 edition of ECLAC’s annual Social Panorama of Latin America report 33.2 % of the regional population is still living in poverty. Most of these problems can be attributed to poor developmental as well as rural and urban planning by the governments also due to security issues associated with rebel guerilla groups, drug cartels, corruption and the soaring crime rate in the region. With elections drawing close in many of the countries one can only hope that governments are elected with a strong sense of social enhancement and responsibility.
However, there are many organizations that are working to help Latin America and the Caribbean rise up and embrace steps towards positive development and expansion. The IDB or the Inter-American Developmental Bank is one such organization. There are others such as NGO’s and individual philanthropies as well. It seems to me personally that the main aim of all these organizations has been to provide opportunities and a new way of life that the people have never thought of before, encouraging small businesses and investing in them has been one positive step, the main lender here is the Inter-American Investment Corporation. Launching campaigns such as ‘Yo Amo America’ or ‘I Love America’ by the IDB has started to create awareness amongst the common man about issues being faced by his country and his region in particular. These campaigns use celebrities and public figures as a spokesperson for a particular area to address the pressing social issues connected with poverty such as birth registration, early childhood development and access to financial services to support their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Latin America and the Caribbean is a very significant and interesting member of the global family. It faces many challenges but seeing the warm and sensitive yet tenacious and diligent nature of it’s now more than half a billion people it is very clear that they love their America and with the right kind of help the whole world might one day be chanting ‘Yo Amo America!’