Friday, April 6
Miss Narwin, after immense consideration, decided to take up the offer of a very good friend, teaching Literature…
Monday, April 9
Philip was warmly welcomed by George Brookover, principal of Washington Academy. They were elated to have Philip as he had created a sensation in the country. Philip walked with a spring in his step, overjoyed to start on the right foot. He whistled as he sashayed to his class.
The national anthem roared over the P.A. system and the students had a choice of whether to sing along or not. Philip hummed loudly and was so contagious that all the students followed suit, looking patriotic.
First lesson was Mathematics and it was enjoyable. Philip was thinking about how the literature lesson next would be interesting as he held on to the book: “Nothing But The Truth”. His new found friends gathered around him, adding on to the cacophony of noises that blasted in the classroom. Then came the click-clocking of stilettos as it crescendo to a sudden halt. The unmistakable footsteps! Philip thought to himself.
He almost fainted as he came face to face with the person he least wanted to meet. Oh my gosh! He muttered under his breath as Mr Brookover introduced Miss Narwin as the best Literature teacher with 21 years of teaching experience to the class. Philip’s knees went weak and before he could find some excuses to get out, Miss Narwin was right in front of him, giving him an unusually saccharine smile. To his utmost surprise she extended her hand and offered truce. After being through so much conflicts, pressure and stress, it was the opportune moment to establish a good relationship.
After Miss Narwin’s class, which was really interestingly refreshing to him, Philip offered to buy her a cup of coffee. Miss Narwin readily accepted and in was the best one to one conversation they ever had. They grew to understand and find many positive strengths about each other. And of course, Philip asked her for the extra work he promised.
15 August
Philip talent and giftedness in soccer was recognised and he was made the captain. He led the school team to their victory at the district level. Miss Narwin’s experience in teaching and her dedication won the hearts of many students. She received the most votes for Teacher of the Year Award. These two, who at one point faced a very bleak future, have turned around and become successful in their own field. The end!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Illegal Organ Trade In India
Hello everyone, thank you for taking time off your busy schedule to attend my talk today. I would like to raise awareness of the illegal organ trading, and at the same time, appeal to the government to step up measures and I hope that a legislature will be set up so that the traders will be apprehended. For years, India has been known as a "warehouse for kidneys" or a "great organ bazaar" and has become one of the several countries that operate kidney transplants. It has attractive low costs and almost immediate availability. In a country where poverty is widespread, a huge transplant industry arose after drugs were developed in the 1970's to control the body's rejection of foreign objects. Renal transplants became common in India about thirteen years ago when the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine became available locally. The use of powerful drugs and new surgical techniques has indirectly boosted the kidney transplant activities. The dramatic success rates of operations, India's lack of medical regulations and an atmosphere of "loose medical ethics" have also stimulated the kidney transplant growth.
The pace of demand for kidneys hasn't kept up with the demand. Consequently, it is only a matter of time before the poor and destitute, victims of poverty
, have all sold their kidneys to make quick and fast buck. Some have even been duped or conned into giving up their kidneys unknowingly or for very little sums of money. One man claimed that he went for a checkup and was anesthetically doused. He woke up with a stitch on his stomach, which the doctor claimed to have helped to remove a stone. To his horror, a few days later, he realized that his kidney had been stolen and the doctor had fled.
It’s a shame, isn’t it? Ironically, advance medical technology meant to save human lives had been abused to such lengths that it had resulted in the death of so many innocent individuals. I am very appalled at these unscrupulous traders who are out to make dirty money. Are they able to sleep peacefully at night in their luxurious mansion?
I believe that the government has a vital and critical role to play to ensure that such criminals are severely punished to serve as deterrence. A legislature, comprising key government and health personnel, should be put in place to mete out their rightful punishments. The legislature should spell out clearly the rules and regulations of organ transplants and that under what circumstances would organ-trading be allowed. It is imperative that we send out the right message to these “criminals”. Thank you.
The pace of demand for kidneys hasn't kept up with the demand. Consequently, it is only a matter of time before the poor and destitute, victims of poverty
, have all sold their kidneys to make quick and fast buck. Some have even been duped or conned into giving up their kidneys unknowingly or for very little sums of money. One man claimed that he went for a checkup and was anesthetically doused. He woke up with a stitch on his stomach, which the doctor claimed to have helped to remove a stone. To his horror, a few days later, he realized that his kidney had been stolen and the doctor had fled.
It’s a shame, isn’t it? Ironically, advance medical technology meant to save human lives had been abused to such lengths that it had resulted in the death of so many innocent individuals. I am very appalled at these unscrupulous traders who are out to make dirty money. Are they able to sleep peacefully at night in their luxurious mansion?
I believe that the government has a vital and critical role to play to ensure that such criminals are severely punished to serve as deterrence. A legislature, comprising key government and health personnel, should be put in place to mete out their rightful punishments. The legislature should spell out clearly the rules and regulations of organ transplants and that under what circumstances would organ-trading be allowed. It is imperative that we send out the right message to these “criminals”. Thank you.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Animal Prevention- Act Now!
Hello, I am a student activist for animal preservation. I am honoured to be working on the important issue of animal conservation and to spread and support the mission to save endangered species worldwide, especially those of animal trading for medicinal properties.
There are many unscrupulous traders out there trying to make quick bucks by hunting animal body parts which they claimed to have superb medicinal properties. Claims included cures ranging from sexually transmitted disease to back ache. Do you think this is ridiculous? With our scientific and state of the art technology in medicine, some still believe in the old primitive cure from animal parts.
This is a serious situation and immediate actions are needed. The trading of these animal parts is not only a very cruel act as some animals are subject to torture before their parts are removed, it is also putting the conversation of animal species in danger.
Wild animals valued in medicines are becoming increasingly scarce. The African rock python, African wild ass, pangolin, green turtle, rhinoceros, spotted leopard, Sumatran tiger, bear, elephant, pangolin are amongst the most endangered by the medicinal trade.
Immediate actions are needed. Let’s all say NO to the consumption of any of these animal parts. Any delay or failure to stabilize the population of these animals would negatively affect animal’s already endangered status, which will indirectly affect the whole eco system. Let’s all join in the efforts to campaign against the trading of animal parts.
I hope all of you will support this very special and important project and do our part in helping to save some of the world’s most threatened animals. Thank you.
There are many unscrupulous traders out there trying to make quick bucks by hunting animal body parts which they claimed to have superb medicinal properties. Claims included cures ranging from sexually transmitted disease to back ache. Do you think this is ridiculous? With our scientific and state of the art technology in medicine, some still believe in the old primitive cure from animal parts.
This is a serious situation and immediate actions are needed. The trading of these animal parts is not only a very cruel act as some animals are subject to torture before their parts are removed, it is also putting the conversation of animal species in danger.
Wild animals valued in medicines are becoming increasingly scarce. The African rock python, African wild ass, pangolin, green turtle, rhinoceros, spotted leopard, Sumatran tiger, bear, elephant, pangolin are amongst the most endangered by the medicinal trade.
Immediate actions are needed. Let’s all say NO to the consumption of any of these animal parts. Any delay or failure to stabilize the population of these animals would negatively affect animal’s already endangered status, which will indirectly affect the whole eco system. Let’s all join in the efforts to campaign against the trading of animal parts.
I hope all of you will support this very special and important project and do our part in helping to save some of the world’s most threatened animals. Thank you.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Activist's Club- Join now!
Good morning everyone, I am the president of the Activists’ Club in Singapore and I am glad to share with you my thoughts today.
Think GREEN, that is our environment. We take our environment for granted! The state of Singapore’s environment is something we are all proud or : air quality is good, tap water is safe to drink , our waste is collected daily and disposed of properly and we enjoy a high standard of public health. But wait…..we need to seriously plan and act to conserve and protect our environment.
Although we have a Green Plan to protect habitats such as Pulau Hantu, Chek Jawa, Sungei Wetland etc. we need to do more to conserve whatever small area of natural land we have. Our waste is removed so efficiently that each person throws out 1.3kg of waste daily and our beach and mangroves are filled with litters. Sounds scary?
It is time to bailout both the people and the planet. Environmental stress has increased the risk of conflicts over resources and food and this demands our great attention. Issues such as global warming, melting of ice caps, flooding, carbon emissions are happening and we all can take actions against it. From replacing regular light bulbs with energy-efficient ones to reducing personal carbon emissions , we all can make a difference.
The conservation and improvement of our environment is a responsibility of ours. Everybody has a part to play, we must give the natural world a stronger voice. Everybody must make changes to protect the natural resources and ecosystems.
Young people like you, get out of your comfort zone, join our club. There are many ways you could contribute and get involved through activism and volunteering. It is a very fulfilling and enriching experience. So, make a difference today, invigorate our society with your zest and involvements. You will be amazed!
Think GREEN, that is our environment. We take our environment for granted! The state of Singapore’s environment is something we are all proud or : air quality is good, tap water is safe to drink , our waste is collected daily and disposed of properly and we enjoy a high standard of public health. But wait…..we need to seriously plan and act to conserve and protect our environment.
Although we have a Green Plan to protect habitats such as Pulau Hantu, Chek Jawa, Sungei Wetland etc. we need to do more to conserve whatever small area of natural land we have. Our waste is removed so efficiently that each person throws out 1.3kg of waste daily and our beach and mangroves are filled with litters. Sounds scary?
It is time to bailout both the people and the planet. Environmental stress has increased the risk of conflicts over resources and food and this demands our great attention. Issues such as global warming, melting of ice caps, flooding, carbon emissions are happening and we all can take actions against it. From replacing regular light bulbs with energy-efficient ones to reducing personal carbon emissions , we all can make a difference.
The conservation and improvement of our environment is a responsibility of ours. Everybody has a part to play, we must give the natural world a stronger voice. Everybody must make changes to protect the natural resources and ecosystems.
Young people like you, get out of your comfort zone, join our club. There are many ways you could contribute and get involved through activism and volunteering. It is a very fulfilling and enriching experience. So, make a difference today, invigorate our society with your zest and involvements. You will be amazed!
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