From Judy Maghakian, Director
ARK is a work in progress. As the involvement in countries increases, the demand to focus on central issues is essential. The youth of ARK V elected to become more knowledgeable in six primary areas of global issues:
- Violence vs. Non-violence
- Servant Leadership
- Global Warming Crisis
- HIV/AIDS Pandemic
- International Law of the Rights of Children
- Compassionate Advocacy
As they look to the future, these concerns will be studied. They will explore how they can be responsibly involved. They will put their personal and collective plans in concrete action.
Currently, they are looking into their respective countries response to the fundamental rights of children, which are:
- Children have the right to be with their family or those who will care for them best.
- Children have the right to enough food and clean water.
- Children have the right to an adequate standard of living.
- Children have the right to health care.
- Disabled children have the right to special care and training.
- Children must be allowed to speak their own language and practice their own religion and culture.
- Children have the right to play.
- Children have the right to free education.
- Children have the right to be kept safe and not be hurt, exploited or neglected.
- Children must not be used as cheap labor or soldiers.
- Children have the right to protection from cruelty, neglect and injustice.
- Children have the right to express their own opinions and to meet together to express their views.
As ARK continues, these issues will take center stage.
It is the purpose and commitment of ARK to empower youth to take action through knowledge and opportunities to be engaged. As Director of ARK, this is my intention.
