Technology Helps Spread the Word
One of the great benefits of the Internet is it offers people across the globe the chance to share ideas on many topics.
Ankur Sharma, a volunteer with RESPECT, recently contributed to a LISTSERV discussion on strategies for introducing Human Rights Education (HRE) into primary and secondary schools. His contribution focused on RESPECT's Global Letter Exchange Program, which has successfully developed pen pal relationships between refugee and non-refugee young people.
A LISTSERV forwards emails to subscribers interested in a given topic. Subscribers add their thoughts on an issue by sending an e-mail to the LISTSERV address.
The scheme has proved an effective way of spreading awareness and brings first hand information from those affected directly to students in other countries, who are then encouraged to spread awareness in their local community.
Ankur has a strong interest in building relationships between RESPECT and other NGOs. He thinks the most effective way to change things for the better is through increased participation and creating links between individuals at as many levels as possible. He is therefore keen to continue a dialogue between RESPECT and interested individuals and groups, and closed his discussion with an invitation to subscribers to visit RESPECT's website and audit their efforts.
Those interested in joining in discussions on refugee and human rights issues can search for relevant subscriber lists to sign up to through L-Soft International who markets LISTSERVs. A search option can be found at http://www.lsoft.com/lists/listref.html.
Ankur points out, there is no magic formula for success in encouraging greater awareness of these issues. But the earlier organisations such as RESPECT are able to engage people, especially through working with youth and educators, the more likely they are to spark a life long interest in trying to make a difference.