Irish youth can make a difference

RECENTLY, US President Barack Obama spoke to a hall of students and youths in Strasbourg, France.

In his address, the President acknowledged the many difficulties that are now facing the world but emphasised that these challenges present opportunities for youths and students to get involved, to take action and to make a difference.

In issuing a strong call for greater youth involvement, volunteerism, and engagement, Obama stressed the nobility of public service, pointing to Doctors Without Borders and community work as examples of ways to serve others.

We at Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders echo and extend this call for engagement to young people across Ireland. While we send many Irish medical and non-medical experts to work overseas in MSF projects, there is still much that can be done here at home. Young people can start by informing themselves of the desperate inequalities faced by millions of people daily and then speak out against the injustices they discover. Students can hold discussions or debates in their schools, share news and relevant films with their friends and families or hold fundraisers for causes they believe in.

The youth of Ireland must recognise the enormous potential they possess to create change in the communities around them as well as abroad — simply by acting on their sense of justice and engaging others around them to do the same.

Ross Duffy

Head of Office

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders

9-11 Upper Baggot St

Dublin 4