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

We are addressing the issue of human trafficking in Malaysia. A shocking number of people are tricked into leaving their families and homes  for a job that they belive will bring their lives out of poverty, but which instead ends up being the worst type of life ever: a life of forced labour, sex slavery, and abuse.  This issue is important to us and the communities within Malaysia. It impacts the victims of human trafficking, their families, their victimizers, and the many companies whose work is being done by trafficked slaves. The people of Malaysia don't know the risk of human trafficking, and they don't know about human trafficking. Human trafficking is a very little known issue, and this ignorance leads to a false sense of security everywhere, It is important for the people in Malaysia to know about human trafficking so that they understand what is going on around them and make an effort to prevent it. 

Something that I came across while making my notecards was that according to Malaysian law, there is no difference between a refugee, asylum seeker, trafficking victims and undocumented migrants. This shocked me, because a victim trying to return home, and a migrant trying to get away from home are very different things, and I believe it is important to differentiate between them. I also learned that if a child is trafficked into forced prostitiution, and they are caught, the consequences are very serious for the child, not the trafficker, and this is why many childrens traffickers give them false documents to make them officially adults even though they aren't because the traffickers want their workers back, and the consequences for a non-minor prostitute are less than for a child prostitute. The slaves keep returning to their trafficker, because they are bound by terror that their torturer will hunt them down and kill them and their family if they attempt to run.

 Learning about this horrifies me, because of the horrifying things that are done to innocent people, but it also makes me feel like something needs to change, because if we continue like this, our entire world will be full of nothing but slaves, and a few people who own them. It also makes me feel very sad when I hear that children my age and younger are being taken from their families and forced into the sex trade. I can't imagine the horror of this, and I feel like I need to do something about this isssue. So learning about this makes me feel shocked and horrified, but it also makes me feel like I've got to help. 

Those Who Suffer in Silent Terror at the Hands of a Loved One.

"Up to 70 per cent of women experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime ”  said Secretary-General of the UN Ban Ki-moon on 25 November 2012.  Many women will experience violence, domestic or otherwise. A much forgotten fact about domestic violence is that domestic violence is not only spouses abusing their wives, but also abusing their children. 25% of all women will be domestically abused. There are over 89 countries where abuse is now illegal, but abuse still happens.Domestic  abuse is a worldwide issue, and it should never happen, or at least be made illegal in all countries. To achieve this goal, we must raise awareness, give donations, and help abuse victims recover.

By raising money by donations we can help people stop the abusers and provide safety for the victims. You can help create safe havens/shelters for fleeing victims of abuse and much more. “One hundred percent of the money raised goes directly to domestic violence shelters and programs across the country that provide support and a safe haven for women and children in harm's way”( End Silence...) The same is true for most organizations dedicated to ending abuse. Furthermore, some of the donations made will go towards providing the resources necessary for starting a new life free of violence. By ensuring that 100% of our donations go towards ending domestic violence and helping the abused, we are ensuring that none of the money we give will in any indirect way reach the abusers, such as into the bank accounts of the abused ( the money goes towards necessities  for their living, not towards their bank accounts) which the abuser may have the codes for. By donating this money to shelters (amongst other things)we are ensuring that victims of abuse will not die of starvation or illness while running from abusers because there will usually be a shelter nearby. Additionally, the donations will go towards helping the victims of domestic violence ‘restart their lives’ after abuse. They will help provide the vital resources needed for life. Many organizations to end domestic violence such as Domestic Violence Project and NCADV  help provide funding, and accept donations of all types (food, clothing etc...) but also for new jobs and houses. By funding victims, we are effectively giving them a way out of their trouble and providing them with a new start because we are providing them with a plan that can keep them sheltered, physically and financially. It gives them a brighter future. This type of donation does not require money, you can do the same just by donating old clothes, toys, or just some non-perishable foods. This will empower the victims, and they will no longer need to fear their abusers. They will no longer feel threatened into giving the abusers money, effectively making sure the abusers are disempowered and poorer, which may be enough to make them kinder in future relationships. Donations of money and other necessary items are always welcome to the poor victims, there are many websites where you can donate money from your account. But donations are not everything; many people do not know what domestic abuse is, or that it happens, and to gain the maximum amount of donations, we must make sure people are aware.

Raising awareness is important so that people know that they all play a part in domestic violence,  and that by being unaware you are making things worse. Unaware people are not neutral in this situation, they can  also hinder the victims progress in finding help.  “...ignorance, indifference and denial continue to create barriers for victims seeking help and thwart efforts to prevent this pervasive and devastating crime.” (PCADV). You may think that you are neutral, but really you are helping the abuser in his trade. In reality, by being unaware, they are effectively letting the abuse happen. A person could be living next door to an abusive household without doing anything, or reporting anything. If they hear shattering china, they might even yell for them to be quiet, which will anger the abuser more effectively making the violence worse. Also, if one of their friends is being abused, and is trying to tell them about it, they might not understand, and may even urge the victim not to go and find help, thinking that they are just overreacting. It is never alright to ignore the fact that people are being abused, because it will affect us all somehow. “...we need to insure that more people know and understand that domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a critical national problem that affects us all -- in every community, in every work place and in every school.”(USDA) Although some people may not see domestic violence as “their problem” it is your problem because there is a 25% chance that you will be abused in your life. Children who have been abused or whose parent has been abused grow up sad and/or depressed, which can lead to excessive alcohol and drug usage, which in turn can lead to anger, and abuse. It is a vicious cycle that must be broken, because even if in your lifetime you are  never abused, your children could be. Domestic abuse is not the problem of the victim and their abuser, but the problem of all of us. To help break the cycle of abuse we must help the victims of abuse recover.

If we help the victims recover, we can help break the vicious cycle of abuse and help victims live a normal life. Victims who have escaped from abusers have usually gone through very traumatic experiences, and these experiences do not just necessarily go away. We must help the victims recover. Many organizations have “confidential safe houses with advocates available 24/7 to help families and individuals rebuild their lives. Shelter services include individual and group counseling, advocacy, law enforcement-based victim assistance, children’s counseling programs, safety education and planning, emergency legal advocacy, and other support services as needed.”(BHcare). Although you may need help after you have escaped, things will definitely be better than they were with your abuser. All of these resources are for helping abuse victims recover from horrible experiences, and most are to made sure that you can live legally without stress. There are lawyers to make sure that the previous abuser has no  legal claim over you, and counselling to help you get over the psychological aspect of the abuse, and group counselling so that you can realize that you are not alone and others have gone through the same thing as you. They have education services for children, and people to help you plan so that you don’t me the same mistakes as before. If we give victims all of this support, they will grow up as educated, financially self-sufficient, normal happy people and they will never abuse anyone, and they will be the prime supporters against domestic abuse, helping us to break the cycle of abuse. Many things can improve after you make the big leap to escape from your abuser. “While you were with your abuser, you may not have been free to decide for yourself what kind of work you did, whether you took on paid employment or not, what leisure activities you engaged in, whether to study for more qualifications or to join an evening class just for pleasure. Now you have only yourself and your children to consider - but you may find it frightening suddenly to be responsible for making your own choices.” (womens aid). Many websites have stories about women who have escaped their abusers, and have been able to start over. When you escape from your abuser, you have a lot of time on your hands, and you can finally go to college, and get a job which will help you because you can get money and support a family. Many victims live perfectly normal lives, and will teach their children that abuse is bad. They will no longer need anything from their abuser, and will have nothing to tie them together. This will also break the vicious cycle, and the victims will never be forced into an abusive relationship again.

In many countries, first world or third, domestic abuse is an issue. Illegal or legal it still happens, and should be stopped, which is something we cannot do without raising awareness, and giving donations, and after they are safe, we must rehabilitate them. Sadly, all of this is simply a plan that must be put into action. Although most of the abuse occurs in undeveloped countries, much of this evidence comes from American organizations, because although there are already laws against it, it still happens there. This proves to us that we are not doing enough. We must find more solutions to prevent this horrible act of cruelty from occurring. The first steps are donations, but we as a people must look out for each other. If you see someone who constantly has injuries from “falling” and “slipping” and is always tired and bears signs of depression, talk to them and support them. We can and must help if we want the issue of domestic abuse resolved.

Mayra Neves' Fight For Education

Nelson Mandela claims, “Education is the most powerful weapon that we can use to change the world.”(Famous Education Quotes)  Sadly, between 500 million and 1.5 billion children worldwide are estimated to experience violence annually(UNICEF). Violence prevents children from going to school because it is too dangerous, or because their schools have been closed due to the violence. Children who are living in a poor environment do not have access to the “most powerful weapon” of education, that can “change the world”. In the poor parts of Brazil, child school attendance is low, because of the danger within their communities. Growing up amongst drug cartels and violence, Mayra Avellar Neves knows that children in shanty towns living in  a violent environment should always have access to education and healthcare, however bad the violence is. Mayra has taught children that they have rights too, but if they want people to listen to them, they have to find a way to do it.

Poor children carry enough burdens and should not have to face violence on the streets.Peace Prize Winner Mayra Neves grew up in the midst of a civil war between drug cartels and police(Intl.Childrens Peace Prize) In Mayra’s favela (shanty town), there are many drug cartels. Drug cartels are very powerful drug dealers who have the weapons and money to make anyone, even the government, obey them. Some of the the Brazilian police, notwithstanding the bribes from the cartels, have remained loyal to their cause and are trying to bring them down. This has created a civil war in the favelas because the cartels and the police are fighting. In the same fashion, Mayra’s favela is one of the most violent ones, and therefore most children face the danger of the cartels at very early ages. Consequently, the police are constantly patrolling the streets,while, in the alleys, the unpredictable cartels (some of whom are on dangerous unpredictable drugs) lurk in waiting.In addition to them being violent and unpredictable, the cartels kidnap people for ransom sometimes, and so the children are in constant danger while on the streets.“When Mayra was eleven years old, the neighbourhood was cut off and became virtually inaccessible to medical and teaching staff. As a result, schools and clinics were closed”(Childrens Peace Prize) Above all, Mayra values education. So when her school was cut off because of violence, she protested. Mayra did not accept having her education cut-off. She attended another school outside of the area in spite of the dangers it posed to her, it worked for her, but she didn’t stop there, she believes that all children deserve an education like she had gained. Accordingly she believes that things can change for the better in Brazil, and she has already started to work towards the change.  Mayra has become an impetus of change in the poor communities of Brazil. She refuses to accept such a level of violence that would cause education to be cut-off.

Education is very important for children, so that they can know their rights and stand up for them.  “Everybody has a part to play in improving human rights, in particular the rights of children as the future generation. We as a people can and must stand up for these children, whose rights are being violated and whose lives are at risk.” Mayra values education, so when she was 15, she mobilized hundreds of children and youths to stand up for their education;they demanded that the police should stop patrolling around schools during the times that children walk to and from school, so that they could get to the school( Intl.Childrens Peace Prize).  Furthermore, her determination was very strong because there was a risk in what they were asking, but the police agreed to her demands, helping many children to resume attending school. Recently, Mayra organized another march to stand up for the rights of all slum dwellers. She believes that we all have a part to play in ending human rights violations, and to end all of the violence, particularly in the favelas, where the violence still continues. In Mayra’s favela, children are forced to face unacceptable levels of danger, their schools are cut off, and they have no idea that they have rights to stand up for. There are  54 articles in the convention on the rights of the child (CRC- children’s rights). The 28th article states that every child has the right to an education(UNCRC simplified) That right has been violated because the neighborhood had been cut-off from the school, but the children didn’t know that their rights were being violated, because they had not been taught yet. Many of the articles  are about keeping children safe from danger and violence. Mayra helped them to realize that they should not just let this violation of their rights happen, that they have rights, and they should stand up for them. If all of the children’s rights are respected, none of the children’s lives would be at risk, and every child would be safe and happy at school.

Mayra Avellar Neves is working hard towards a brighter future for these children. She is fighting to give them the weapon that can change the world- education. But although she has accomplished much, she cannot achieve much more without our help. Mayra is making a change in Brazil, now we have to help her by making a change in our own communities. If you live near anywhere (a kampung, community) where you know that there is anyone who doesn’t know their rights or whose rights are being violated, you should help them. by educating them about their rights. Help children stand up for their right to an education. Maybe we can reduce the amount of children living in ignorance. Violence creates fear, and fear causes people to resort to violence, we must help to break the vicious cycle.
Here is a video of all of the Children's Peace Prize Winners from 2005 to 2009

Story Of My LIfe

I am from stuffed toys, lego duplex towers, I am from non-existent iPods

I am from rock climbing on overhangs, ice hockey and skiing, during the cold winter months.

I am from Ba Ba Black sheep, singing me to sleep,

From Twinkle Twinkle, and She’ll be comin round the mountain

I am from Teletubbies, Ding the dang dang(as my brother renamed it)

I am from long winters and short summers

From the water, meant for the plants, hitting my back instead

I am from dog parks, and skyscrapers, looking down from above

High, snowy, Mountains, and lakes, clear as glass, moved to green humid, jungle and white, sandy beach

I am from noise but not too much, from crowds but not too many, at stampede fairgrounds, and birthday parties

I am from computers, and iPhones, you name a machine

Where old Liz rules from a distance, with her face on our coins

I am from discipline, and restrictions

From Tea and Biscuits

From “Hey THAT ONES MINE!”

I am from Playdates and tag

 From “You talk to much and work too little!”

And from Terry Fox who ran so far, and suffered so much

I am from candy bracelets and lollipops, but not too much or your teeth will ROT!

From Annies pasta, and gross baked beans

I am from German dinners, English Tea, and the BEST maple syrup EVER!

I am from warm rice pudding, with bananas and cinnamon,

I am from Pina Coladas without the rum, sipped, on the Mexican beach under the setting sun.

I am from “don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched,

Deflating my hope,

From “ Go and Have a Time out” if I do something wrong

I am From “ we’re your parents, and we care about your safety”

Making me feel constrained

I am from Old family albums , with pictures of me as a child, before they were born.

From old family videos and “in the day I built dams” from home working- sewing. And geology

I am from- do your best, that’s all we can ask,

From babies born into the house, and the first steps taken by them

From the deaths of 2 elderly loved ones, my grandfather, and great uncle too.

As I flip through the albums, my heart yearns for what I had

My childhood, my happiness, and the times, when my siblings were young.

But, now as I’m older, I have new joys to think of, and the old ones lie forgotten, in the albums in the study, waiting to become reawakened once again.

a good leader considers the will of the people.

I think that good leaders should always consider the will of the people, so that they can keep the majority of the population happy. If they, like King Richard of England just keep oppressing the people, charging more taxes such as the poll tax, that charge you for simply being there, even though it is unfair, and the people obviously don't like it. Good leaders stay on the throne for a long lime, because they are not overthrown by rebellions by people who think they are being treated unfairly. King Richard and most of his predecessors were not good rulers, they only cared about money, and power- definitely not the people.  That is why King Richard was nearly overthrown. The peasants wanted their leader to consider their will, but their leader did not, he just kept adding new taxes, and killing people who did not pay. The people were angry at being treated like this and they joined together to overthrow the King if he did not agree to their terms. King William also did not care about the people, he killed them when he made a mistake( he thought that their cheering was protest.) He did not even try to think that there might have been a mistake on his side, and he just went and made lots of peoples lives worse. So good leaders always consider the will of the people.

Who had the best claim to the throne?

1066 was a very chaotic year. First King Edward died, and then Harold Godwinson became King. Two other men were not very happy about this, they were Duke William of Normandy, and King Hardrada of Norway. These men both attacked England after Godwinson was made King, Godwinson defeated Hardrada, but was killed by William, who then became King.


I think that Harold Godwinson had the right claim to the throne, because he was chosen by the previous King of England, Edward. Edward was the King of England by blood, but since there were no more blood relations to become King, the brother of his wife, Harold Godwinson was chosen. Harold was already used to leading, because he was the leader of the army, and he was a strong leader who would make sure the nobles kept their power. The Witan (council of the nobles) decided that Harold would be crowned King It was also the easier choice for everyone, because Harolds rule would be similar to Edward's. So Harold had all of the right and legal claims to the throne. The other people with claims to the throne would have to invade to get the throne, while Harold was the peaceful answer.

Values and Choices

Think about a time you witnessed bullying/ostracism/peer pressure/exclusion/discrimination/violence. How did you respond? How do you wish you had responded? What stopped you from responding that way?

When I was in grade 4, some boys in my class were trying to make a girl use a calculator on a math test, so that when the teacher came back, she would get in trouble. This girl desperately wanted to be friends with these boys, and so she used the calculator, when the teacher came back, the girl got in trouble and had to go to the principal's office. I didn't do anything about it, because I didn't really know the girl. Later on I looked back on it and I wished I had stood up for the girl, and told those boys to mind their own business. The reason that I did not do it, is because I didn't know the girl, and if the teacher had come back in and seen me being mad at the boys, I might have gotten in trouble myself.

Where have we seen examples of bullying/ostracism/exclusion occurring in texts studied so far this year- factual as well as fictional?

We have seen examples of these things in The Hunger Games and the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. IN the Hunger Games there are examples of ostracism, district 12 is the ostracized District. In the boy in the striped pyjamas the Jewish are bullied by the German soldiers in the concentration camps.

1.Select one line/phrase/group of sentences that are significant to you. Explain why.

"It was as if the outcasts had been invented by the group out of a need for them." This is a girl who was excluded from a group that she desperately wanted to join. She called herself an outcast, but she was puzzled about why she was excluded, she was no different from the rest of the people in the class. The group needed someone to pick on , and she just happened to be there. She said that there were a few other people like her, one of who tried to join the group by giving them material for jokes. She said that the normal reasons people are picked on was because they were different, but in their class they were all the same. Maybe the group decided that they were getting bored, and they chose a few random people who they would bully for no reason, making fun of all the things that she did, even if they were exactly the same to what others did.

1.What’s familiar about the incident Eve describes?

The incident was familiar, because one time this girl just sort of ignored me, she never talked to me but whenever I saw her she would look at me from her group of friends and giggle something, or whisper something to them. I got the feeling they were talking about me. That was sort of like Eve's experience .

2.What surprised you?

What surprised me was that Eve said that the group did not bully the people for their differences, because they were all the same, but for no reason at all except for that they needed someone to bully and Eve just happened to be in the class.

3. How does Eve’s story relate to bullying? Was she bullied? Did she bully? How would you explain her behavior?( perpetrator/bystander/victim?). make sure you justify( back up your answer.

In a way it does relate to bullying, because the girls were excluding and laughing behind her back, and making jokes about her, which are types of bullying. She was bullied, and once she did bully, there was a girl who was much more excluded that Eve and more desperate. The 'elite' group found something that they said was her diary and they invited Eve to come and read it, and Eve laughed. That is bullying, and so yes Eve did bully, but only out of desperation. I would explain Eves behaviour when she laughed at the girl, desperation, she desperately wanted to join the group and no longer be bullied, that she bullied someone else.

4.How did Eve’s need to belong affect the way she responded when another girl was being mocked? Why does her response still trouble her? How do you like to think you would have responded to the incident?

Eve wanted so badly to join the group that she did not even think about what she was doing until she had done it. Her response troubles her because she feels like she betrayed the girl by laughing at her diary. She knows what it feels like to be mocked, and she feels bad and unfair. I would like to think that I would have responded to the incident by telling the girls to stop laughing, telling them not to be mean, but I have not been in this situation, so I don't know the pressure that Eve was feeling.

5. Eve concludes “Often being accepted by others is more satisfying than being accepted by oneself, even though the satisfaction does not last.’ What does she mean?

Being accepted by others like the "elite" group, is more satisfying than knowing that you did the right thing, but being accepted by them soon seems boring, and you look back on what you did and you start to feel sad and unsatisfied.