Making the Invisible, Visible: The first step...

Millions of domestic workers worldwide have been exposed to abuse and sexual violence which makes their lives that much harder. Although many people believe that slavery is over, it has just began and it's at it's peak. The people become workers because they don't have enough money to finance their lives and their families lives. Because of this they seek for a trustworthy agency that can help them migrate to a different country to seek for a better life. Many times the agencies are abusive and can make the workers lives tough, in the training centers they offer traumatize the workers because of the lack of safety and health they provide. Basically this means that the people who the workers think they can trust, are the most unreliable of all. Because the workers are often abused and sexually violated, they go into a mental state of depression and often times can not escape it.

This topic is important to me because I have a maid and she has experienced troubles with her agencies. Thankfully it never impacted her mental state but for a very long time she was separated from us and her family. I think that it is important for people who need money to get it without being hurt. It impacts not only the workers but the workers families, the employees and their families. Like I said before, when my maid went through the trouble of getting into the country we live in, it affected her family a lot since she was not able to see them for a while. It also affected us because we weren't able to see her for a very long time, and she didn't come back the expected date, she came back one month later.

One of the many facts and surprises I have encountered while researching this topic is that right now there are more slaves than in any other point in history. For me this was shocking because when I think back to all of the historic events for example Martin Luther King Jr. and The Slave Trade, it seems like there were so many more slaves. Yet now most of the slavery is invisible, and this is bad for people like us because we need to know about slavery so we can pitch in to help modern day slavery and domestic workers end.

This makes me feel upset with myself because if I would do more research and I would be more aware of what is happening beyond the border of Malaysia, I would have known much earlier about modern day slavery and domestic workers, meaning I would already be on my way to stopping modern day slavery and domestic workers.

Fighting For Women's Rights.

"I was a victim, and I did not find justice. But know I will get it for other women.”
-Malya Villard-Appolon

In 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the nation of Haiti. Millions were left homeless, having to live on streets, deprived from safety. Due to the lack of safety, women and children were being sexually abused and not taken care of. The conditions were described as ‘...dehumanizing," Tooze said. “Over months and months, it increases all forms of violence, including sexual violence."’ Malya Villard-Appolon was one of the many women who was victimized and felt the need to change victim’s lives. With this confidence, Malya was able to be a co-founder of an organization, helping women and children, called KOFAVIV (Komisyon Fanm Viktim pou Viktim). The following paper analyses the stages of Malya Villard-Appolon steps to establish women rights in Haiti. This is done through an account of her past experiences, the co-foundation of KOFAVIV, and the public’s response to her action.

Malya Villard-Appolon was a victim of sexual violence. This experience inspired her to take action to prevent other innocent women of going through the same nightmare. Malya did not only experience the pain of sexual abuse herself, but also had to watch others die trying to protect her. “For me, this is a huge thing. I was raped in 1992 and in 2003; I survived an attempted rape in 2010.” She also had to watch her husband die in her favour, “ her husband died as a result of beatings he endured trying to save her from being raped.” (CNN Website) Her husband having died to save her and fight for her rights made her realize that what he’s doing is right. His death added on to the amount of sorrow that slowly built up in her like a fragile glass tower, breakable with just the slightest push. After that day she knew she wanted no other women to experience the same amount of pain she did. As Malya barely managed to cope with her own experience of sexual abuse, her knowledge of the death of her husband as well as the rape of her fourteen-year-old daughter, proved to be too much to handle. When Malya’s young daughter was victimized, Malya was the one who had to take care of her. She tried to get attention from people, she needed help. Malya’s daughter had to be taken to a hospital yet no one was paying any attention to the helpless women. “My daughter was raped.” She told CNN, and even though, “she escorted her daughter to two police stations and received no assistance...” She received, “just a lot of talk.” (CNN Website and CNN Website) With this rejection, Malya realized that women and children in her situation would receive the amount of careless looks she got. Her search for help for her daughter proved to be pointless, as there was no organization offering any. This led to her will to co-find an organization with this cause of her own. After realizing that women’s rights are demolished in Haiti, Malya was able to be one of the co-founders of the organization KOFAVIV that helps victims.

The KOFAVIV organization helps women and children who have been victimized in many convenient ways. KOFAVIV, originally established in 2004 by women who were survivors of sexual abuse, does many things to make the victims life easier. They start by, “...accompanying the victims to the hospital within 72 hours of being raped.” They also have, “more than 10,000 military and police personnel are now helping to provide security throughout the country, and hundreds of U.N. peacekeepers have been assigned to specifically work with the Haitian National Police.” They also have good facilities such as, “better lighting has been installed in some displacement camps.” (CNN Website) The basic procedure that KOFAVIV offers for victims is quite reasonable as it makes victims feel comforted and this is the most important aspect of the many when it comes to sexual abuse. Most of the victims do not have the money to afford a medical certificate and legal proceedings. This is also very sympathetic as KOFAVIV funds these procedures for them so they don’t have any difficulties getting back on their feet. The facilities they offer the victims are also appropriate if you keep in mind how many women they help out and the fair amount of camps they have set up. As it seems, women have been finding KOFAVIV a beneficial organization that is able to get them out of their dark hole. Out of many stories, Alvana’s is touching and eye-opening. Alvana was another victim, but thankfully she was able to find help with KOFAVIV and was able to realize she still has a chance in life. “Depressed and unsure of what to do next, she was directed by a friend to a clinic run by KOFAVIV...Alvana was given food, water, housing and prenatal care. She decided to keep her daughter, even though the psychological pain could be difficult.” (CNN Website) Alvana’s story is far too common in the lives of women living in Haiti, but KOFAVIV was able to help her understand that she still has a chance in life and will not give up on her baby even though it was a product of sexual abuse. KOFAVIV helps victims psychologically a lot because most of them want to get rid of the baby and fall into a deep black hole. KOFAVIV prevents this from happening and Alvana is one out of a thousand examples. Sadly, the mere existence of an organization to help fight for women’s rights in Haiti might not always be enough, as the government has to support the initiated movements as well.

In order for Haiti to blend as a nation, they must be able realize the tragedies happening to these women and step up for them. So that they once again can be described as a nation, “be loved in Haiti”. The advancement that KOFAVIV is showing is tremendous. They are starting to create an atmosphere that is against sexual abuse and hurting innocent women and children. People are starting to realize the pain and sadness these women have to go through. "All this progress is the result of advocacy by KOFAVIV and other grassroots women's groups and their allies," Concannon said. "I believe that the progress has the potential to play a key role in transforming attitudes about violence against women -- not just in the justice system, but in Haitian society as a whole." (CNN Website) The progress that KOFAVIV is showing seems to transform the attitudes of the Haitian society, which is one step closer to a blended nation. As it says in the quote it plays ‘a key role’, meaning that it is the main reason why attitudes about non-violence is being changed. KOFAVIV is starting to make Haiti a better place. Even though KOFAVIV is showing progression, the military does not seem to be supporting them. It has been reported that the military have shown no interest in supporting these organizations. Also with psychological help, the victims are not afraid to come out and report their abuse, but still none of the reports are pulled through as the government rejects them all. “This report concludes that documented accounts of rape by uniformed military personnel and their allies are on the rise, that no action has been taken by the military authorities to denounce rape or to punish those who engage in it, and that the military authorities have failed to provide Haitian women with judicial redress as required under both international and domestic law. Although the evidence does not suggest that Haitian military leaders are actively promoting an explicit policy of rape, they are presiding over a campaign of systematic violations of human rights that clearly includes rape.” (UNHCR Website) The military has a big impact on the nation of Haiti, and by them not paying any attention to these women’s pleads, they are making the country uninterested and leave the women hanging. The nation can only blend and connect once again if they have support from everyone, including the military. Although women are becoming braver in reporting cases of rape, and have centers in which to do so, the government of Haiti is not yet doing enough to facilitate woman protection any further.

As evident, Malya Villard-Appolon went through some heartbreaking, exhausting steps to get to the point where she is now. Malya herself was victimized twice and had to watch her husband die so she can live, with this anger within her she was able to co-found KOFAVIV. Even though KOFAVIV is showing progress within the Haitian society, the military is still not cooperating. “I gave my entire life for this project. This will enable me to continue to fight, and I hope it brings about a change for my country.” -Malya Villard-Appolon. We must all join in and help Malya succeed in her mission, don’t leave this helpless women and children hanging, and make a change!







(Mytoptens)

Overcoming Adversity

“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” ― Mother Teresa. In the Philippines millions of children are living in horrible conditions on streets. Having to experience excruciating pain, isolation from the outside world and being deprived from education, health and hygiene. They are unwanted, unloved, uncared for and forgotten by everybody. Poverty is such a big issue in the Philippines because of the emotional impact it has on the people living in it. The impoverished street children were searching for help, thankfully a former street child, Kesz, was able to step up for his rights and share his knowledge of health, hygiene, love and hope, with the helpless children in his town. Kesz was tortured as a young child and had to do something despondent, run for his life. He ran away from home with his only option to live on, the dumpsite. Kesz was able to convert his nightmare of growing up in a dumpsite into an eye-opening movement to teach street children what it means to have personal hygiene and hope for a better future.


Kesz having spent most of his life living on a dumpsite helped him understand that children need the basic understanding of health and hygiene and today he shares his knowledge with the other street children. He was a street child until the age of seven, having to pick up garbage and eat it from polluted areas, having to sleep in empty tombs in the local cemetery. At the age of seven Kesz fell into a pile of burning tires, ending up in a hospital where someone took the time to rescue and care for him. “The fire that burned my skin and flesh is the same fire that started a flame in my soul. A flame that would warm cold hearts...” (Pinoy Peace Prize Awardee Kesz Valdez Dedicates Award to Guardian) His pain and sorrow is what made him want to make sure that no one else would ever have to experience the same. This pain was an inspiration for Kesz and led to the healing of many street children that were in danger because of their health. Kesz has brought light into the dark lives of the street children. Today Kesz visits schools to educate the children about the importance of health and hygiene and shares his Gifts of Hope boxes. Included in his these boxes are first aid kits, flip-flops and toothbrushes. Throughout his lessons he, “ educates them about personal hygiene, explains them their rights, and takes care of their wounds, but above all he gives them hope.” (Winner of the International Children’s Peace Prize 2012, Kesz) Straight away the children change their perspective on life. They now know that they can live a full and longer life because Kesz has taught them how to take care of themselves. By doing this the children are not only living a healthy and hygienic life but they are also given instruction on how to treat others, hence inspiring more children. Kesz’s mission is to make sure all the street children living in the Philippines are able to live a healthier life. Furthermore he shares the importance and meaning of love and hope, and not only the importance of health and hygiene.




The love, hope and happiness that Kesz received from the people around him is what inspired him to go further and share this beautiful piece of life with other children. When Kesz was rescued from the dumpsite by his best friend, father, guardian and savior, Mr. Harnin, he opened up and wanted to share this special feeling with the other children living on the streets. He wanted to teach them as well as explain to them the meaning of love, happiness, hope and their rights. As Mr. Harnin said about the day Kesz was rescued, “that day probably was first day in his life that he felt loved, accepted and cared for.” (Winner of the International Children’s Peac Prize 2012, Kesz) It is evident that Mr. Harnin was the one who taught him to worship this feeling and share it. Kesz’s heart exploded with joy and this core, natural feeling was to be shared with the other children. He knew how lucky he was to be saved by such a courageous man, so he felt he must give back. This one day, this pain, and sorrow is what led to a movement, Championing Community Children. In a video the commentator explains how, “he has transformed his own experiences into a drive to help other street children and inspire them to change their own lives.” (Winner of the International Children’s Peac Prize 2012, Kesz) What Kesz does to share his knowledge is individually speaks with the children, telling them they have values, dreams and talents and that they deserve a hopeful future. These talks are what give the children hope and inspiration to do something as good as he has. Kesz converts pain and sorrow into an eye-opening movement to teach children the meaning of love, happiness and hope, this ties into the hope he gives the children by individually telling and lecturing them that they have a chance in life. Kesz knows the importance of having someone to care, and these street children don’t. He has been blessed by being a given a guardian and he wants to make sure he is the same inspiration for the other street children. For this to be done by a boy at such a young age is an extremely amazing, thoughtful and beautiful thing to do.




Kesz has not yet given up, he is still continuing to provide education, hope and comfort for the street children in the Philippines because he knows how the children live. His organization, Championing Community Children, has expanded to include many other street children around the Philippines. Kesz makes sure that the kids are aware that everyone should have access to medicine, hygiene and be able to follow their dreams and do what they want, not what they are told. The words he uses are what inspire the children and give them hope and urge to really become successful in their life. Gifts of Hope are what allow the children to look at the world in a different perspective, and Kesz, the rightful winner of the Children’s Peace Prize 2012, does all of this. Kesz is not only an inspiration to street children but other, more fortunate children who really see this boy as their role model to do good in the world. Additionally he is an inspiration to adults, humanitarians and philanthropists who want to make sure that everyone has an equal chance in life and help the poor. As Kesz himself said, “to everyone in the world, please remember that every day, 6,000 children die from diseases associated with poor sanitation, poor hygiene, and we can do something about it! Please join me in helping street children achieve better health and better lives.” Now lets join hands and make a change!

Who I Am.

I am from thick air,
palm trees swaying in the wind,
white sandy beaches,
and wide landscapes with corn that grew higher than the tallest building.

I am from Baby Born and Polly Pocket -
playing all day in my room.
From Justin Bieber and Hannah Montana -
sitting in front of the box T.V. watching with awe.
From the smiling palm that would come down to spank me as my head hung low.

I’m from fresh cut sashimi served on a wooden plate,
from tzatziki,
and a hot Bauernfrühstück -
stuffing myself till my belly has no more inch of room for food.
From fresh teh tarik and a steaming hot roti prata filled with sweat kaya jam.

I am from “schnuff schnuff”, and
“du Stinkesocke” -
the names they call me.
I am from the fire crackling in Papou’s living room, from old stacked newspapers, from pink lips and blonde hair - from Mama, Papa, and Papou, the ones who inspire me most.

On top of my closet stands a big purple box
full of pictures, papers, and objects-
spilling memories, ones never to forget.

This is my creation myth trailer on the Greek myth of Zeus:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xmeTAL41as

Please watch the video. :)

The end is near :)

All I can say is that if your a 7th grade teacher reading about me, then it will take a while since I have a lot to say about myself.

I have had a great year in 6th grade and grown immensely. Not only academically but physically, socially and mentally. I am going to answer some questions so the 7th grade teachers get a little taste of me. :)

1) What piece of work and learning are you most proud of? Explain.

I am very proud of many pieces of work but the one that stands out for me is my last Literature Circle. I think that I am most proud of this piece of work because it really reflects on how I grew this year and how much work I put into challenging obstacles. My Literature circle is a piece of work that shows my passion for reading. My last literature circle was about a book called The Giver. This book touched me in a way. There were so many connections between Jonas and I. I felt like this book really meant something to me, and that is why it is now my favorite book. My literature circle is my stepping-stone to becoming stronger mostly academically but also a bit mentally. I don't get frustrated easily anymore if I have a bad day and can't think of anything good to write I accept that because I can't change it. I am very proud of my last Lit. Circle.

2) What were your greatest challenges? Explain.

One very hard challenge for me was overcoming adversity not the unit but literally overcoming adversity. I had to say goodbye to a very important person in my life last year in November. This was the time were we had to right essays and a lot of work was piling on top of me. This was very challenging for me because I was in huge grief and under pressure because I wanted to do well on the essay. It was very hard for me to balance both because everyone in my family was sad. It was not an easy time for us. Another thing that affected overcoming adversity was that my dad was not with us. My dad was already working somewhere else and that was also very challenging. With the strength of my friends and great people around me I was able to pull through that hard time. Of course there were many other academic things I struggled with but everyone has those types of struggles. I am very different from other people. In a good way. :)

3) Reflecting on your growth this year, what did you learn about yourself as a learner?

I learnt a lot about myself as a learner. For example I learnt to look at things in different ways not only one way. I encourage myself to always push harder and that was one thing that learnt. To never give up. To never say never (I love Justin Bieber.) I learnt to always take my time on work and never leave anything to the last minute. For example blogposts, at the beginning of 6th grade I would always finish my homework one day before it was due and the end product was very bad and had no "Umph" in it. If you compare my first few blogposts to my newest blogposts the information is different quality and richer vocabulary use. I have grown immensely this year just like I said in the first paragraph and I think that my work gives all the evidence.

4) To evaluate your work habits, choose 1 of the following from each category (and provide explanations.)

a) Behavior

Could be improved

Satisfactory

Perfect-the model student

I would say that I am between satisfactory and perfect. Most of the time I am well behaved but sometimes I just want to have fun and I get talkative in class. Once I get a signal from the teachers I calm down but this is usually when I have an exciting day or I had a great day. I think I am well behaved but not necessarily a model student. I don't like being the center of attention but sometimes I just am and I can't help it but everyone is the center of attention once.

b) Participation

None

Satisfactory

Actively participate in class

I think I actively participate in class because I am very curious and always want to keep the lesson alive. Even if it is not my favorite subject we are learning, I still try to make the most out of it. Even at home my mum says I ask a lot of questions but sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes its not. I enjoy participating in class because it can bring lively hood to a class.

c) Organization

Needs serious help

Satisfactory

I am super organized

I think I fall under I am super organized because for some odd reason I love being organized. If I look into my room and its dirty I stop what I am doing straight away and clean up my room. I can't stop it, its just me. Everyone is different in their own way. Being organized is a boost for a lot of school work for example not leaving your homework to the last minute, keeping you locker tidy and organizing you school binders/folders so they are not just a pile of papers. Whenever there is a locker clean out I might have to do one thing and then I am finished. I love helping other people clean up their lockers. I am super organized.

d) Effort

Needs serious help

Satisfactory

I always go above and beyond what is required

I think I fall between satisfactory and I always go above and beyond what is required heading more to the satisfactory side. I am not a type of person that tries to get all A's and do extra credit to make a grade better. I think that sometimes it is necessary to go above and beyond and sometimes its not, a person should know the difference. I don't go above and beyond a lot unless it is a very important grade or something like that.

5) Based upon your reflection, write two personal learning goals for Grade 7 next year.

Goal 1.

In grade 7, I plan to improve on not being distracted by Facebook, youtube, chatting or any other social networking while doing homework. At the beginning of the year I did a lot of this and I didn't produce good work. I am now much better but still not 100% so that is a big goal for me in 7th grade.

Goal 2.

Since I am leaving this year another goal for me is to make sure that I do good in the new school and make new friends. I have not been new to a school since 8 years so it will be very hard for me to understand that I am going to be a new student and have to make new friends all over again. Of course I will stay in touch with my old friends via Skype but I won't be able to talk with them everyday. I have to get used to a new beginning, so my goal is to do great in my new school and to make lots of new friends. Wish me luck. :)

6) Is there any more information about yourself that you would like your teachers to know?

Well I think I said it all. I am a very cheerful girl and I come to school with a good attitude. Of course like any other child my age I have my ups and downs. I like to talk, ask questions and make class fun. I love jokes and of course Justin Bieber! Even though all of the 7th grade teachers who are reading this I will not have next year I will never forget ISKL and the wonderful teachers, peers, and much more amazing things about ISKL.

7) Finally, cast your minds back to the first few months of middle school (when you arrived in Grade 6) what "Words of Wisdom" or "Advice" could you pass on to the class of 2018?

Well let me just say this...you will love it! All the different teachers, being with the older kids, MS parties, different classrooms, and of course MALAYSIA WEEK, it is a crazy roller coaster ride but you will always arrive at the end of it safely and then a new door opens to 7th Grade but its to early you think about. In fact its time for me to think about that. :P A few "Words of Wisdom": Don't be afraid of the 7th and 8th graders, never leave your homework to the last minute, stay organized and basically everything I said at the beginning of this blog. You will enjoy middle school and 6th grade. Don't act older, enjoy your last bit of childhood before becoming a teen and going into adolescences. HAVE FUN!

I am not afraid to go forth and become a 7th grader. Some people are. Its just mentality...

The Final Giver Blogpost!

Dear Giver,

I have written this letter 100 times and yet I can't express how much I will miss you. You have given me courage and happiness in my life. Thank you. For me what you have taught the most is choice and freedom. These two key concepts have now been attached to me and I will keep them in mind forever. I have the privilege to know what these mean and I think that choice and freedom have impacted me a lot during my training. I will never forget the love you gave to me and the freedom and choice I got. My knowledge about choice and freedom is huge and I didn't know that much before I was The Receiver. My life has immensely changed by your wonderful memories and now I finally understand the concept of life and society and what is wrong in our society. Colour, freedom, belief and choice. Those are the things you have given me and now I can direct them into my new life. Thank you so much Giver. You have taught me a lot. With my knowledge of choice, freedom and society I will now stride forth and become an even better citizen in a better community. I am mournful that you can not come with me to the new community because of your great knowledge but it is for the best of things, and you said yourself you are so stuck to this community.

I am going to leave because I can't stand it anymore. Now that I have the wonderful memories from you and the knowledge I see what a bad community this is. I think that people like you and me deserve a better life and deserve a community where there is colour and liveliness. You have given me information on choice and freedom and those two concepts should be involved in our life and in the community we are living in now we have no choice and freedom and i think this is unfair. I am taking Gabriel with me because heal also deserves another chance at life and he should not be released. I think you also deserve a better community. You have been a wonderful man. Thank you so much. You taught me so much that I can now have the courage to save Gabriel's life and bring him to a better community. I am scared but at the same time excited to leave. Your wonderful memories have led me to this hard decision. I am leaving. I will miss you so much I can't describe my feelings for you. You are like my second father. I love you.

Yours Truly,

Quotations:

"Gabriel's breathing was even and deep. Jonas liked having him there, though he felt guilty about the secret. Each night he gave memories to Gabriel: memories of boat rides and picnics in the sun; memories of soft rainfall against windowpanes; memories of dancing bare-footed on a damp lawn.

"Gabe?"

The new child stirred slightly in his sleep, Jonas looked over at him.

"There could be love" Jonas whispered."

Page 128-129 of The Giver by Lois Lowry

"Jonas went over the plan in his head. It seemed startlingly simple. Jonas and The Giver had gone over it and over it, late in

t

o the night hours.

~

Then, in the middle of the night before the Ceremony, Jonas would secretly leave his dwelling. This was probably the most dangerous part, because it was a violation of a major rule for any citizen not on a official bu

s

iness to leave a dwelling at night.

"I don't know what you should do if you are seen, Jonas," The Giver had said. "I have memories, of course, of all kinds of escapes. People fleeing from terrible things throughout hist

o

ry. But every situation is individual. There is no memory of one like this."

"I'll be careful," Jonas said. "No one will see me."

"As Receiver-in-training, you're held in very high respect already. So I think you wouldn't be questioned very forcefully."

"I'd just say I was on some important errand for the Receiver. I'd say it was all your

fault I was out after hours," Jonas teased.

They both laughed a little nervously. But Jonas was certain he could slip away, unseen, from his house, carrying an extra set of clothing. Silently he would take his bicycle to the riverbank and leave it there hidden in the bushes with the clothing folded beside it.

Then he would make his way through the darkness, on foot, silently, to the Annex.

"There's no nighttime attendant," The Giver explained. "I'll leave the door unlocked. You simply slip into the room. I'll be waiting for you."

Page 158-159 of The Giver by Lois Lowry

These are quotations of freedom and choice.