News summaries by title
Inspirational Keilburger's not kidding around
Inspirational student's top award
There's no handicap too great for inspirational duo
For mountain climber, vision isn't all in the eyes
Dyslexic tells of his tortured childhood
Former abused mother’s success no pie in the sky
Innovative approach gets results
Website for the blind
Roger Crawford inspires workers who deal with youth
Smiles return as scars of tsunami heal
Of courage and hope
Local group inspires dreams, sends area children to college
A kid who cares
Shelter students see success
Models of middle school success
Inspirational 24 hour swim
Guide kayaks solo for salmon
‘So heartwarming and touching’
When love is blind
Hines Ward’s Mother Recalls Hard Road to success
Mum who lost daughter to cancer helps kids’ battle
The musical pride of Venezuela
He doesn’t hide anymore
...........................................................................
Inspirational Kielburger’s not kidding around
8th November 2007
By Leith Dunick
The Thunder Bay Source profiled inspirational child rights activist Craig Kielburger. At age 12, Kielburger became aware of the desperate plight of child labourers in many parts of the world. Craig had been deeply touched by the tragic killing of Iqbal Masih who had fought for the rights of child workers. Despite his youth, Craig Kielburger was convinced he could make a difference to the lives of child workers. Craig founded an organization called Free the Children which has improved the lives of over 1 million school aged kids around the world. The article described a recent visit by Craig Kielburger to the Thunder Bay area. Kielburger recently co-authored a book called Me to We. Kielburger told the reporter about the positive impacts the children can have on their world. “They affect their community, their nation, the world around them – how they vote, how they shop, the careers they pick. I think the biggest accomplishment of Free the Children is that you’re never too young. Any citizen, any person of any walk of life can change the world for the better”.
...........................................................................
Inspirational student’s top award
14th May 2007
By Rowena Mason
A delightful story in The Oxford Mail described how the courage of one young man has inspired many members of his local community. 18-year-old Andrew Baker of Didcot in the United Kingdom has not only survived a brain tumour but has also achieved success at school and raised a large amount of money for charity. Baker has fought an ongoing battle against a brain tumour over the last six years and has required surgery on several occasions. Andrew Baker was preparing to travel to London after being nominated for a prestigious community service award sponsored by Deutsche Bank. The young man told the reporter about his eventful life. “I was nominated for my huge campaign, by inspiring and leading the fundraising effort at the Didcot schools. It was also for the fact that I received major treatment for six years, until last August, while I was fundraising at the same time. I was also working hard for my A-levels and juggling a part time weekend job at Next”. The remarkable teenager added “It all certainly keeps me very busy, with no time to pause”. Voluntary organization Common Purpose was supervising the event and the presentation of the ‘Spotlight Award’ recognizing and promoting community leadership.
...........................................................................
There’s no handicap too great for this inspirational duo
19th April 2007
By Rob Shaw
The Tasmania Examiner, visit www.examiner.com.au
The Examiner profiled a remarkable pair of motor rally contestants. Alan Stevenson and Nazim Erdem recently represented the Australian Quadriplegics Association in the Targa Tasmania Motor Rally. The two participants competed to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries. Both Stevenson and Erdem are confined to wheelchairs but were enthusiastic participants in the recent event. Alan Stevenson told the reporter that “A lot of people see the wheelchair and just think you’re buggered. But we are out to prove that what normal, everyday people can do, we can do too”. The disabled participants needed to meet the exactly the same entrance criteria as their fellow competitors. Stevenson, a 50-year-old motor mechanic was injured in a quad-bike accident in 2001 but has since rebuilt his life and returned to a wide range of challenging activities. Stevenson told The Examiner “It’s important that people know why we are in this but raising awareness is only part of the reason. The other part is that it’s bloody good fun”.
............................................................................
For mountain climber, vision isn’t all in the eyes
25th March 2007
By Corky Blake
The Express-Times, visit www.nj.com
The Express-Times profiled inspirational mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer who is one of an elite group of climbers who have climbed to the peak of the so-called seven summits. Weihenmayer, who is blind, has reached the top of the highest mountain peaks on all the earth’s continents. Erik Weihenmayer, of Golden, Colorado, totally lost his sight by the age of 13 but this has not stopped him marrying, becoming a parent and from leading a life filled with challenge and adventures. Perhaps Weihenmayer’s greatest achievement was in May 2001 when he reached the summit of the World’s tallest peak, Mt Everest. The Express-Times article describes how Weihenmayer was inspired by the remarkable achievement of Terry Fox who bravely attempted to run across Canada while suffering from terminal illness. Erik Weihenmayer told the reporter about his positive philosophy. “My vision wasn’t to climb mountains; mine was to blast through people’s expectations, to be part of something brand new and to push society forward. For me, I found I could do this through climbing. All I can talk about is what it means to me and try to inspire others”. Erik Weihenmayer has recently published a book, The Adversity Advantage: Turning Everyday Struggles into Everyday Greatness.
............................................................................
Dyslexic tells of his tortured childhood
11th February 2007
By Mark Roth
The Post-Gazette described the remarkable life of a 54-year-old software engineer, Paul Caldera. Caldera has overcome the problems of a dyslexic childhood to build a successful life and career in the IT industry. Dyslexia was only diagnosed during his adult years. A fierce determination to succeed and some tuition allowed Caldera to gain college entrance and commence a career as a computer scientist. This intriguing article highlights several creative ways that Caldera learned to cope and compensate for his reading disability. One particularly important skill was listening in class. Another key asset for the resourceful student was intense concentration. In the IT industry, dyslexia proved less of a handicap. The Post-Gazettearticle reported that Paul Caldera lost his job as a result of restructuring in the early 90’s and used the opportunity to finally seek help with his learning disability. Now Caldera encourages other dyslexics to seek help at an early stage and make the most of the help that is available. Paul Caldera currently works as a software engineer with Edvocacy Research Corp.
...........................................................................
Former abused mother’s success no pie in the sky
25th December 2006
By Bill Michelmore
The Buffalo News profiled a Shirlene Hicks Mullen, a mother who courageously rebuilt her life after years suffering the effects of domestic violence. Mullen now operates a successful pie-making business. Mullen became a single mother at 16 years of age and lived in an environment where she was subjected to both rejection and negativity. Mullen did not listen to those defeatist messages. She told the reporter that “I always believed I would be something”. Shirlene Hicks Mullen also experienced life in an abusive home. “I couldn’t take it anymore”. Mullen left. She told The Buffalo News about her move to a refuge with her daughter “I just walked out. When we came here we had nothing. This is a brand new start for us”. Theresa Martinez, the director of Carolyn’s House spoke to a reporter in glowing terms about the positive efforts of Shirlene Hicks Mullen to rebuild her life. “She’s been through what many of our residents are going through, and for them to see firsthand such a successful outcome, both personally and professionally, only strengthens the mission of our program”. Mullen told the reporter about the inspirational lesson she had learned. “My message to the women and families here is to hold on to your dreams, and we can all succeed with determination and strength”.
...........................................................................
Innovative approach gets results
22nd November 2006
An intriguing story in The Times-Union described how a unique and non-judgmental approach to teaching disadvantaged kids has led to improved attitude and performance at school. Author Kim Wise has implemented an innovative teaching approach to teach kids at an inner city school based on listening and scrutinizing behaviour. An important component of the approach is to teach the students to respect the teacher. Wise believes that many of behavioural problems of her students arise from exposure to their traumatic and violent environment. The approach to teaching emphasized team-building, listening and empathizing. Kim Wise told the reporter “I saw the children work out conflicts and problems on their own, under adult supervision and guidance, as opposed to being told to be quiet and get back to work”. Wise has written a book describing her work called Wise Practice: Affective Education in the Inner City.
...........................................................................
Website for the blind
2nd November 2006
By Mitchell Jordan
This article profiled an inspirational young man who lost his sight as a teenager who now brings hope into the lives of other people. Dawson Ko, aged 23, developed loss of vision as a complication of Behcet’s syndrome. Dawson told The Inner West Weekly “Blindness was unexpected for me, but you can only make the best of the situation you are in”. Now Dawson has developed a website to build friendship, understanding and communication within the blind community in his region. Dawson hopes to promote internet use by blind people and create opportunities for improving their lives. Dawson Ko understands several specific needs of the blind and is working with some computer companies to develop and install technology for visually impaired people on older computers. Having a computer that can read the screen is important for the blind community but existing technology is often expensive or unavailable. Visual loss has proved no barrier for this young man. He is completing undergraduate studies at university and is also a formidable competitor in karate. “My motto is to try to be the best in everything I do”.
...........................................................................
Roger Crawford inspires workers who deal with youth
11th October 2006
The Herald News reported on a motivational presentation by Roger Crawford who has led a remarkable life and has inspired many people with his resilience and courage in confronting adversity. When Crawford was born, the medical staff told his parents that he would never walk. Roger Crawford was born with a couple of fingers on each hand. He had a shortened limb and missing toes on his other leg. Despite these problems, Crawford has defied the dire predictions by learning to walk at age 5 with a prosthetic limb. Brave Crawford didn’t simply stop there. Roger Crawford would eventually become the first and only college athlete with four impaired limbs to compete in tennis at NCAA Division One level. At a recent function, Roger Crawford spoke to a group of young people and told them about his life. The speaker told his attentive audience that “Challenges in life are inevitable. Defeat is optional”. Roger Crawford added “I am absolutely convinced that a broken body is much less disabling than a broken spirit. I have never been more passionate about sharing this message”. The story described Crawford’s inspirational presentation and his thoughts on a range of issues. Roger Crawford lives in California and has written books including How High Can You Bounce?
...........................................................................
Smiles return as scars of tsunami heal
8th September 2006
By Bellinda Kontominas
This heartwarming report describes how a group of teenagers from tsunami ravaged Aceh in Indonesia have picked up the pieces and rebuilt their lives. The tsunami disaster almost two years ago changed the lives of millions of people in the affected regions and resulted in destruction and loss of life on a massive scale. 18-year-old Rahmanila of Banda Aceh was orphaned by the disaster. The courage and the determination of many survivors has been nothing short of remarkable. The article describes how Rahmanila and many other teenagers had earned prestigious scholarships to Indonesian universities. A small group of young survivors of the disaster recently visited Australia as a gesture of gratitude for help during those dark days after the tsunami. Father Chris Riley had worked tirelessly to assist victims. Father Chris Riley told the reporter about the remarkable courage of these orphans. “These kids are some of the most amazing in the world. The courage they have shown is truly inspirational”. He added “These kids have really healed. I can’t believe it”. One member of the group, Yuzakri, survived in a tent for eight months living off rations provided by helicopter drops.
...........................................................................
Of courage and hope
25th August 2006
By Hema Vijay
This delightful article introduces a remarkable couple who inspire an entire community with their courage. Manohar Devadoss is an artist who is nearly blind. Despite his loss of vision, Manohar has a remarkable talent for accurate sketching. His works have received critical acclaim. His wife, Mahema is quadriplegic from a motor vehicle accident and is confined to a wheelchair but has been able to assist her husband with the promotion and marketing of his work. Together, the elderly couple forms a remarkable team. Manohar told the reporter about his wife’s strength and courage confronting quadriplegia at 32-years of age. “There was sorrow, yes, but never did she give in to depression. Mahema is a spirited person”. Manohar also described how he uses the principles of trigonometry to help create correct perspective for his high quality work. A hand lens and a keen sense of touch have also proved useful. The Business Line article describes how their common purpose and a passion for art have united this remarkable and inspiring couple.
...........................................................................
Local group inspires dreams, sends area children to college
4th July 2006
By Stacy Wolford
This delightful article in The Valley Independent reported on the activities of a non-profit group called Increasing College and Community Monies (ICCM) which was established 15 years ago. The aim of the group has been to assist with funding to send local kids to college and fulfill their dreams. The group was commenced by Cherie Russell, a single mother, who had experienced the disappointment of her own daughter missing out on a college education. Russell’s daughter, Shewanda, was denied an opportunity to attend Spring Garden College in Philadelphia when the institution closed its doors. Cherie was determined to help Shewanda fulfill her dream to study architecture. With the help of some friends, she formed a group to raise funds. The group succeeded in raising enough funds to send her daughter to Tuskegee University. Shewanda Russell graduated in 1999 and now works as an architect. The success of their efforts encouraged the group to assist others and ICCM was born. The group has also established a youth organization called Diversity and opened a small restaurant. The restaurant helps the fundraising efforts of the group. The article describes how the success of Shewanda has provided a positive role model for other young people in the area.
...........................................................................
A kid who cares
2nd July 2006
By Joseph R. Schwartz
The News-Record reported on a remarkable 10-year-old boy who performs outstanding community service. Ryan Bolton, of Greensboro, helps to serve meals for the blind at a company that employs visually impaired people. The article described how Ryan often rises at 3.30am to assist his partially-blind grandmother. The remarkable 10-year-old helps with the cash drawer and with the preparation of meals. Ryan makes some income from the sale of cookies. Why does he do it? Ryan Bolton told The News-Record “I just am a caring person”. Ryan added “It’s like a reflex to me. If someone needs help, I help them”. Ryan’s achievements do not end there. He is also an excellent student and is active in the wider community. The article describes how Ryan finds inspiration from the blind people he serves.
...........................................................................
Shelter students see success
11th June 2006
By Fred Kelly
The Charlotte Observer reported on a significant achievement by a group of homeless kids. The success of the children has resulted from their own hard work and the efforts of the dedicated volunteers at a Salvation Army refuge. In previous years, the students had performed poorly at End of Grade tests. Action was required. A group of volunteers has taken responsibility for tutoring the kids and the children have grasped the opportunity with both hands. The results have been outstanding and all of the students have passed their End of Grade assessments. Deronda Metz, the Salvation Army’s director of social services, “It’s almost miraculous”. She added “”It was so emotional”. Now volunteers involved with the scheme are expanding the program and more disadvantaged kids may benefit. The Observer reported that there are an estimated 5,000 homeless people in Charlotte on any given night. Most homeless kids are seriously disadvantaged at school and many change schools frequently. The article provided an interesting insight into the lives of homeless kids and highlighted the good work done by A Child’s Place, a local nonprofit agency.
...........................................................................
Models of middle school success
1st May 2006
By Sara Neufeld
The Baltimore Sun reported on a remarkable school which has achieved extraordinary results against the odds. Crossroads School in Baltimore is situated in an impoverished area but has recorded a number of educational achievements. Results are on par with the best in the state. Students have published a book and constructed an impressive model of the solar system. Crossroads School is operated by the Living Classrooms Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which provides both education and work force training. It is thought that a contributor to the success of the school is a positive teaching environment which values support and respect. Other features of the school are small class sizes and a project-based teaching program. The article also highlights the excellence achieved by students at KIPP Ujima Village Academy another middle school in an impoverished area of Northwest Baltimore.
...........................................................................
Inspirational 24 hour swim
3rd April 2006
By Glen O’Brien
This delightful story reported on two courageous and determined young men who have both rebuilt their lives after severe setbacks. The article introduces Luke Coleman who recently required major surgery after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. During his recovery, Luke developed a strong commitment to give back to the community who had supported him through his illness. Recently Coleman completed a remarkable 24 hour fundraising swim to assist Paralympian Rodney Farr. Rodney had been confined to a wheelchair after a swimming accident in 1999. Despite his life-changing accident, Farr has picked up the pieces and has retuned to an active and fulfilling life. Rodney Farr has become an international discus competitor and earned selection in the 2004 Para-lympics in Athens. Luke became aware of Rodney’s fundraising efforts and organized his 24 hour swim to aid the worthy cause. At the end of the swim, Farr presented Coleman with a highly-prized Paralympic shirt to show his appreciation for his support. Farr told the reporter “I wanted to give Luke something I really treasured because I really treasure his involvement and his commitment to what he was doing for me”.
...........................................................................
Guide kayaks solo for salmon
13th March 2006
By Roger Larsen (Huron Plainsman)
This fascinating story introduces the inspirational Bill Erikson who has decided to pursue a long-held dream to protect declining numbers of salmon. Many years ago, at the end of high school, Erikson presented a speech to classmates which highlighted the significance of dreams. He said “If you don’t have a dream, I encourage you to find one”. He added “And don’t give up, don’t ever give up”. Now Bill Erikson is demonstrating his personal commitment to this bold philosophy. Bill Erikson is embarking on a marathon kayaking journey called Salmon to Sea Awareness trip to raise funds and knowledge in the general community about declining numbers of the fish. Over a period of 2 months, Erikson plans to kayak 900 miles to assist his cause. The article describes how Bill currently works as a river guide and is passionate about his work. “It’s hard to pay the bills sometimes, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else”.
...........................................................................
‘So heartwarming and touching’
11th March 2006
By Amy Coutee
This lovely story describes the support and encouragement given by a remarkable group of schoolchildren to one of their classmates.12-year-old Charley Gorman of Sandusky Middle School suffered a stroke almost four months ago. Charley’s classmates have been devoted and supportive since that day. They have sent cards and gifts and done all they can to lift her spirits. On the day she returned to school, her classmates organized a party to make her feel welcome once more. The article documents the strength determination and courage shown by Charley during her recovery. Charley still has some difficulty reading due to visual loss. Charley’s mother told the reporter about the positive impact of the support from the other schoolchildren and community members. “”It’s just been a real outpouring of love …It’s been phenomenal”.
...........................................................................
When love is blind
12th February 2006
By Jonathan Trew
This delightful article in The Scotsman tells the tale of two emerging musical stars from West Africa. Amadou and Mariam met at the Institute for the Blind in Mali, West Africa. In recent years their infectious music has attracted a legion of fans across the globe. Their recent releases have recorded platinum sales. The story reports that Amadou and Mariam have been nominated for a World Music Award from BBC radio. Mariam became blind at the age of five after an attack of measles. Amadou was blinded by cataracts during his teenage years. The couple met at an Institute for the Blind in Bamako, Mali in 1975. Loss of vision pushed each of the youngsters to hone their musical skills. Amadou commented that “Becoming blind meant that I concentrated on music”. He added “It gives you the opportunity to pay attention because you aren’t distracted by other things. You could say that music was a gift for us”. Now the inspiring couple is sharing that gift with the world.
...........................................................................
Hines Ward’s Mother Recalls Hard Road to Success
8th February 2006
Football player Hines Ward of the Steelers was recently honored by being named the Most Valuable Player in the Super Bowl. This news article highlights the determination and courage displayed by Ward’s Korean-born mother. The article also describes how the support from his mother has contributed to his success on the sporting field. Kim Young-hee, aged 59, told the reporter “Supporting a child so he can do what he wants to do and encouraging him the whole way seems like the secret of success”. When Hines Ward was in elementary school, Kim often had to leave home at 4am to work. She worked in many poorly paid jobs in cleaning, washing, retailing and catering. During most weeks, Kim Young-hee worked seven days straight. Kim Young-hee only reduced these punishing work commitments after Hines Ward achieved professional success in football. Kim Young-hee described her reaction to her son’s Super Bowl triumph. “I admire him and I’m proud of him”.
...........................................................................
Mom who lost daughter to cancer helps kids’ battle
6th February 2006
By Brian C. Feldman
The Sun-Sentinel reported on how a mother who lost her own daughter to leukemia is now helping other children and parents whose lives have been touched by cancer. Sandra Muvdi lost her 7-year-old daughter Jessica June to leukemia three years ago. In Jessica’s memory, Sandra Muvdi established the Jessica June Children’s Cancer Foundation. The Foundation provides financial assistance and support to needy families who have children diagnosed with cancer. The Sun-Sentinel article describes the difference that the charity is making to the lives of those most in need. Muvdi worked as a middle school math teacher until her daughter’s death. Muvdi’s work has provided an opportunity to use her personal experience to help others and provide much-needed practical assistance and hope. Sandra Muvdi told the reporter “Working with children fills the big void in my life after the loss of my daughter. Her loss has filled me with darkness and pain. I get a lot of satisfaction helping underprivileged kids with cancer”. To learn more about the foundation visit the website at www.jccf.org
...........................................................................
The musical pride of Venezuela
5th February 2006
By Jens Erik Gould
This article reports on the remarkable Venezuelan Youth Orchestra, an internationally famous musical group that is changing the lives of young people in the South American country. The orchestra has attracted the attention of classical music lovers all over the globe. Reportedly, Placido Domingo cried when he saw the remarkable and inspiring orchestra perform. The orchestra is a source of great national pride and has recently marked its 30th anniversary. Many of the recruits for the orchestra are from impoverished backgrounds. Some have experienced problems with the law or have abused drugs. The orchestra provides hope, positive influence and a focus in their lives. In the Daily Journal article, orchestra member Lennar Acosta described the impact of the orchestra upon his life. Without the orchestra, “I would be dead. I calculated that I would live until, more or less, the age of 16 if I had continued in that world”. The story details how the orchestra has positively influenced the lives of the participants. Other countries in the region have launched similar schemes in recent years.
