child health now

In the bustling world of business, gossip, finance and breaking news, it’s difficult to find time to remember that we are only a small part of a very large world. Further to that, it’s even more difficult to remember that we are a developed country of freedom and choice and that we have so many more things than other countries in our global community. In light of this, the recognition of these countries’ struggles is something that the Youth Movement group of World Vision Australia, Vision Generation (Vgen), fights for everyday.

So, what is Vgen going to do about it?

They’re going to mime.

On Monday 4th July, as many as 70 young and inspired Brisbane Vgenners made their mark on the city, silently miming their way into the thoughts of busy passers-by to make a stand for international support from the government. Their demands? Child Health Now.

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the vulnerable women and children around the world in developing countries who are voiceless.

“Every year over 8 million children are dying from things we can prevent; lack of food, dirty drinking water and illnesses like malaria. The aim of the campaign is to act as the voice for the women and children who are affected by a lack of access to health care, and place pressure on the government to increase the foreign aid budget, in particular towards health spending,” says Jasmine Mikschi, the QLD State Director of Vgen. Mikschi has been involved with World Vision since being chosen as one of the World Vision Youth Ambassadors in 2010.

So, why the mime?

The choice for their visual, silent stunt was quite simple.

“It was very symbolic. We were silent mimes acting as the voice for the voiceless women and children around the world! Although silent, our message was powerful,” says Mikschi.

“While we are young people, the mime today proved that young people have an incredible power to be heard and make a difference in the world.”

The group’s actions are a continual reminder of our neighbours across the way and our responsibilities as a global community. Vgen have groups of dedicated youths between 15-25 years nationwide.

Interested in being a part of a group where you can:

• Develop your leadership, advocacy and campaigning skills?
• Speak out for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people?
• Learn from World Visions’ aid, development and advocacy experts?
• Meet passionate and motivated young activists locally and across Australia?
• Be part of a powerful movement to end injustice and extreme poverty?
• Use your creativity to change the world?

Then you might just have what it takes to help make change a reality. To find out more about the work of World Vision or the Child Health Now campaign, visit their website.