African Spring 48: What is a global citizen?
Kampala, Uganda, April 19, 2012
Mr Gabe is asking himself and plenty others the following question: “What is a global citizen?” One of Mr. Gabe’s conclusions is the passion to serve. To follow up on that thought he is aiming to make a documentary in three places around the world: Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and an inner city in the United States. Here he will be serving in construction, education or any other role he can in smaller and bigger projects. These short working visits will be filmed and made into a documentary on what drives people to serve humanity. Does that make them global citizens?
To me there are many ways to define a ‘global citizen’. I would say the following components give you a good chance of becoming someone who engages fully by truly connecting on a multitude of levels to others around the globe:
1. A sense of humor about yourself, your culture and the amazing (tragi)-comedy that this world is. A smile opens many doors and is the key to the heart and soul of the ‘other’ .
2. An ability to listen, observe, smell, feel, taste and learn at all times. The senses can put the cerebrum in place preferring the inner voice and heart.
3. An openness of mind will lead to a natural connection, dialogue and therefore deeper communication.
4. The patience to be, just you in the sea of unknown so it can become known.
5. An acceptance that we are sometimes solitary beings, but most team players.
6. A flexibility to accept and initiate change
7. Multilingual skills will reduce confusion in understanding
8. A will and the skills to lead
9. A love of art, nature and humanity
10. A willingness to lead by serving
Two people I would like to write about to as examples of global citizens. Those sources of inspiration show that country of origin, gender, race or age are of the least importance.
The first person is Dr Dickson Ssenoga, Ugandan physician, husband to Liz, father of a brace of kids, founder of a private health clinic, an NGO and an orphanage. Crossing borders to aid in South Sudan from time to time. His passions are taking care and improving life of people living with HIV/AIDS in his ancestral home of Mubende/Mityana, near Kampala. For that for the last 10 years he has worked hard to bring dozens of clean water systems (pumps, box springs) to his region. Personally visiting the houses of his community to bring the medicine, medical care and extra food, often funded from his own pocket. Then there is the orphanage where 20 kids live, who grow their own food on their plot of land, go to school together and live, love and learn as one family
The second is F.S. , when I met her in Minneapolis, Minnesota she was 8 years old. She had heard about the genocide in Darfur and started making arm bands to sell for the people in need. Raising over $1000 that was donated to the Genocide Intervention Network. Seeing her speak at an event with around 800 people was just inspiring. Her spirit radiating as she spoke of girls of her age that should not suffer.
We do not have to travel to be a global citizen. All that is required is a willingness to listen with an open heart and act. Think/feel global, act local, be glocal. Be a glocal citizen.
Namaskar,
Ashis
Thank you very much Ashis for your special blog. Please visit Dr. Brahma's personal blog @
http://www.africashispring.blogspot.com
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