One of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had was being a youth worker throughout college and university. There’s something about the genuine uncensored honesty of young people that I have always admired. Their raw passions are unfiltered and untainted by adult influences. They speak their mind whether you like it or not; a trait that has not always served me best.
Const. Khoa Hoang
Those years of social work exposed me to challenges that I had not been aware of, and how many of my clients’ struggled with the pressures of daily life. But under all that teenage confusion and drama was a tremendous potential for growth. Adolescence rarely passes on calm waters with smooth sails.
I continue to believe to this day that if I can instill confidence into young people, they too will realize that the sky is not the limit.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs argues that once an individual establishes a sense of belonging and esteem, that self-actualization may then occur; solidifying into an identity. This, of course, can take decades and requires a healthy foundation of understanding where you are in life and a firm knowledge of where you want to go and how to get there.
Recently, events in Egypt exemplify this concept of self-actualization and the journey towards identity. Revolutions have quickly spread to neighbouring countries as a historical first throughout the Middle East. There are unwavering demands for political change, led by the youths of these nations who no longer lack the esteem needed for self-actualization. They are demanding an identity to be proud of and a voice to be heard within the international community.
Such events always bring strong emotions, which can already be seen here in Ottawa. Our fellow neighbours who are friends and family of demonstrators in Egypt and Libya have been inspired to come out in support of political change. They can be seen on Parliament Hill, at local embassies, and can be heard within conversations throughout the city.
But within the mix are also those who feel that supporting the Middle East demonstrates a lack of loyalty for Canada. Messages such as “go home” and “why did you come here” are beginning to be heard. An observation that takes me back to my days studying Islam at Carleton University, where an amazing Muslim professor that taught me how confidence requires no defense.
After all, what can possibly be more stereotypical Canadian than coming out in support of peace and an opportunity to bring our global communities together? A chance to be heard, unite families, and demonstrate support for the diverse cultures that make us the world’s pinnacle of tolerance.
It’s no coincidence that Canadians have always been called upon when there is a desire for peace within developing countries. We are a proud member of the United Nations and our men and women serve throughout the world within vital peace keeping roles. We may not be perfect when it comes to obtaining peace, but we sure do a damn good job when called upon!
The Canadian government has been a strong supporter of the Middle East Peace Process for almost 50 years. Today, Canada continues to provide leadership in an effort to find a solution for refugees. There is an opportunity today, as there always have been in times of international crisis to show our greatest asset, character.
Regardless of your political views or ethnic background, surely we can all agree that knowing our family and friends are in danger is difficult to bare. My heart goes out to those who still have family members and friends trapped within the dangerous political landscape of the Middle East.
As a refugee whose entire family was jailed in 1981 after the Vietnam War for their political beliefs, I’ll continue to pray for the day we see peace.