A lot on my mind

2 Posts in one day, but I have a lot I would like to talk about. I have received a few emails and facebook messages from you wonderful readers and I really appreciate your thoughts and ideas. Some of you are doing some truly remarkable things and should be very proud of yourselves. I hope that in some way my writing is able to help you in any way.

Ally Pintucci, who recently messaged me about her ambitious project of raising $10 000 for Free the Childrens Brick by Brick campaign is looking for some help. While she has certainly got the ambition to attain her goals, working with some of you other remarkable people out there is sure to make doing so a lot easier. If anyone out there would like to help out with this initiative or has some fundraising ideas, please either email me or look her up on facebook and send her the ideas directly. I think this would be a wonderful discussion for everyone who, like Ally, would like to do some fundraising but need some fresh ideas on how to, so please do not hesitate to post your comments and ideas here on my blog. To learn more about the Brick by Brick campaign through Free the Children click here.

This weekend I will be traveling back to my former university, where I will be helping out with an initiative I co-founded last year. The Canadian Conference on Student Leadership was a dream of mine and another former students, Kathryn McIntosh. We had the privilege of traveling down to Disney World about 3 years ago to attend the US equivalent conference and were inspired to start our own here in Canada. It took us a year to plan and get the funding but last year was the inaugural conference which had 150 students from across Canada attend. It was an incredible weekend where we were all inspired by fellow students and professionals. I am truly excited to see this years conference and see some people from last year as well as some new faces. To see this conference grow is a dream of mine and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. Please check out the website, and if you get a chance I highly recommend you try and attend next years event.

One last thought. I find all your ideas, comments, and emails extremely inspiring. I hope that you continue to update me on what you are up to. Even I, the eternal optimist, needs a little pick-me-up, and your actions provide just that.

Ambition: One Laptop Per Child

A lot has been said about the One Laptor Per Child program that has been in development for seemingly years. The founder, Nicholas Negroponte, thought up the idea while teaching at MIT. The program went live as of today. Right now you can log on and purchase a computer, the XO as it has been affectionately called, for yourself while simultaneously purchasing one for a child in the developing world. The idea originally was to design a computer that could be used by a child in the developing world at a cost of $100 per computer. While they didn't quite make it for a $100 they did manage to create one for about $188. The goal, according to their website at ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD is:
"To provide children around the world with new opportunities to explore, experiment, and express themselves."

Now, while their are many flaws with this idea - one major one being instead of spending a $188 on a laptop how about giving them food, water, and sending them to school - the idea is still quite remarkable. A child with a computer, unlike any other way possible, will be able to connect with the outside world and explore their abilities to grow. A computer can provide education, which will help their ability to get a well paying job, which will hopefully help them break the continuing cycle of poverty within their families.

The computer itself is a master of both form and function. A child in the developing world is able to charge the computer by hand. The screen is able to reduce glare and work even in the most auspicious circumstances. The user interface allows each recipient of a laptop to instantly connect with others and share information, and even an internet connection. It is truly a remarkable piece of machinery that is sure to make learning both easier and fun for a deserving group of young people.

The laptop project is ambitious and it has yet to really catch on with governments, who the product is meant to be sold to en mass. However, mark my words: The XO will revolutionize the practice of development. It is a step towards using our collective abilities to create a product that reaches a root problem, instead of just a band-aid fix. We need more Nicholas Negropontes in the world who are willing to look past profit and see that their talents can do so much more good in the world. We need ambitious people with hearts of gold to take it upon themselves to level the status quo. You can be that person. I hope you will think about what you can offer the world and then go out and give it.