JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I'D HEARD IT ALL

Yesterday, when I was reading through a list of possible petitions to sign, I came upon breast ironing in the Cameroon. Although I signed the petition decrying this practice, I felt I needed more information before blogging on this topic. Sure enough, in the Cameroon predominantly, but in other neighboring African countries, as well, the breasts of pubescent girls are often ironed to flatten, disfigure them, and discourage them from early sexual activity. This can lead to cysts, skin lesions, and other health problems. I knew about female circumcision which is also still practiced but this breast ironing was a new one.
This week, I have been calling or e-mailing my senators and representative nearly every day about the Child Protection Compact Act S3184 and HR 2737 and the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and Victims Support Act S2925/ HR 5575 legislation. While I was researching the breast ironing matter, I also had to read Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery in Cameroon. Who should appear in this article than Evelyn Chumbow. Her story was recently featured in a CCBC magazine. This article adds the detail that it was Theresa Mubang who brought 11 year old Evelyn to this country after promising her a first rate US education. Instead, Mubang enslaved Evelyn in her home forcing her to work long hours, depriving her of her education, and paying her nothing. Evelyn escaped at 19, got her GED, completed her CCBC program and now attends the University of Baltimore. Knowing that both Evelyn and Rose (ENSLAVED IN DC) were victims of human trafficking in my area, how can I not be involved in this issue. Knowing that girls from many countries- including Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala where I have sponsored girls- are trafficked to the US for prostitution, sexual exploitation, forced labor and domestic service; how can I not be grateful to someone who is willing to help one of these girls with legitimate educational expenses( THANK-YOU Woodie). As I sit here munching on the chocolate cookie I baked from dough purchased to help a charter school, I wonder if the chocolate was from West African cocoa farms where children under 14 are often forced into labor. Perhaps I also need to be more careful about the source of my chocolate.

STAND UP TO BULLYING WEEK

This week has been designated Stand Up To Bullying Week in Canada. While many children and youth are victims of bullying, the GLBT community views many young people who are questioning their identities as prime targets for bullies and suicides. The TREVOR project has a website, a hotline, and resource materials for educators and involved community people. These resources are worth checking out. The hotline is 866 4 U TREVOR or 866 488 7386.

Double trouble in Indonesia

The tsunami followed by the eruption of the volcano spelled double trouble for the people of Indonesia. NGO'S have come to the aid of the people. The President's visit was shortened. There was time to unveil a statue of his mother. Discrimination against women and girls in this country is present even if natural disasters and visiting dignitaries aren't. Amnesty International reports that girls were to be tested for their virginity or pregnancy before having a right to a high school education. Girls or women who become pregnant out of wedlock are often denied maternal or reproductive care. Women and girls who are victims of rape are often shunned, forced to leave villages, or denied care. So in Indonesia, women and girls may fall victim to both natural and MAN-made disasters.

IKEA SOFT TOY PROJECT

When I'm feeling down. the remaining child in me likes to play with or purchase toys. Imagine if you can buy an item which will not only bring pleasure to a child here but will help children globally get a better chance at education. This doubles the pleasure of the gift giving experience. You can shop. Wrap a gift or stuff a stocking. Then you know that a portion of your purchase will go to Save the Children's and UNICEF's programs for education. The shopping at IKEA begins November 1 and ends December 24. This year between December 18 and the 24, IKEA will also donate a portion of a kid's meal to the organizations. So you can grab that other comfort reward- eating out- share a meal with a youngster and help others at the same time.
This program started in 2003 has  raised over 30,000,000 dollars for the two organizations and benefitted 8 million children. So instead of trick or treat we can treat and train.

CHILD TRAFFICKING

There have been some positive steps in the area of child trafficking awareness. The Village Voice BACKPAGES has agreed to monitor posting and ads which could be human/child trafficking related. There is the Child Protection Compact Act which will be voted on in November. World Vision Activism is urging Student groups to call their Senators on November 10 to ask them to vote for the bill.
The Polaris Project, which deals with human trafficking in the United States, was one of the $50.000 grant recipients in the Pepsi Refresh Project for September.
A number of NGO gift catalogs this year have items to "PURCHASE" which help prevent or treat victims of human trafficking. World Vision has a number of ways and levels starting at $35 to help fight this problem.World Concern has two measures on its gift giving catalog- awareness training for one child or skill training for four children.
Save the Children has been working to prevent child trafficking in El Salvador. They are also working to reintegrate children from the Lord's Resistance Army back to some stability in Uganda. Their work in Indonesia is crucial now, since every time there is a natural disaster, children become targets for trafficking.
At PLAN USA, you can make a donation to fight child trafficking or become a Child Trafficking Solutions Sponsor.

HAITI- THE CHOLERA COMPLICATION

Many organizations are currently asking for funds to help Haiti in its current outbreak of cholera. Cholera, if treated, can be cured. Its victims who are least compromised by malnutrition and other health issues respond best. Soap and water can help prevent its spread. Unfortunately, like many in our country responded with inappropriate reaction to someone diagnosed with HIV, some Haitians decided that the appropriate response to Doctors Without Borders attempt to set up treatment tents in their community was to protest and burn the tents.
The Dominican Republic  has closed its border with Haiti with regard to markets and is requiring people to use soap before entering from Haiti. This seems more reasonable. Hopefully, those providing humanitarian aid will not be discouaged by setbacks and receive the funds needed to get the epidemic under control.

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

October 24, 2010 was the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The UN  Convention on the Rights of the Child protects children by outlining their human rights. As of today, 193 nations have committed to support it. Only the United States and Somalia have not ratified this UN convention. The International Rescue Committee has on its website under call for action, a letter asking President Obama to submit this convention to the Senate for its advice and consent without delay. Please visit the IRC website and promote this action today.