Foreign Policy Blogs

Inspiring children, inspiring the future

“The greatest inspiration is often born of desperation.” -Comer Cotrell, American Entrepreneur (1931- )

In the face of hardship and disaster, one most often finds the most inspiring people you will ever come across. For many when we reach the point of desperation we find ourselves over whelmed and wanting to give up, but lucky for us many others find their true voice and power to lead in the most trying times.  Mothers who do anything they can to ensure their child is not only fed and clothed, but has access to education, despite the fact they live in a refugee camp.  A father who sells all he has to ensure his child is fed, while he goes hungry.  A young boy who stands courageous in the face of rebels soldiers so that his sisters may run to safety.  It is the most desperate of times that bring forth the most unknowing, and unhonored hero’s.  It is this inspiration that is rarely shared, but impacts more than one

However inspiration does not need to always come from desperation, and to see that children are never without inspiration to learn, to dream and never stop achiving we must ensure they are never without everyday heros.  It often only takes one simple action to ispire a child, show them love and compassion, show them understanding, teach them to never give up and most of teach them to dream.  When you inspire a child to dream and achieve, you are not just helping them to plant the seeds of a dream, but helping them to grow a future. When you inspire youth, you are inspiring the leaders of tomorrow!

 
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Comments (2)

  1. Ben Friday - 31 / 07 / 2009 Reply
    I agree completely. Desperation often shows us what we're made of, though, like you said, inspiration can often come from easier sources. The quote at the beginning sums it up quite nicely. Great article!
  2. Julianna Monday - 03 / 08 / 2009 Reply
    Instilling children with hope, providing them with inspiration and allowing them the to have the opportunity to achieve great things is without a doubt one of the most important endeavors anyone can fulfill. Anyone who holds such values close to their heart will enjoy learning about.... www.flyingkitesglobal.org

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Author

Cassandra Clifford
Cassandra Clifford

Cassandra Clifford is the Founder and Executive Director of Bridge to Freedom Foundation, which works to enhance and improve the services and opportunities available to survivors of modern slavery. She holds an M.A., International Relations from Dublin City University in Ireland, as well as a B.A., Marketing and A.S., Fashion Merchandise/Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Cassandra has previously worked in both the corporate and charity sector for various industries and causes, including; Child Trafficking, Learning Disabilities, Publishing, Marketing, Public Relations and Fashion. Currently Cassandra is conducting independent research on the use of rape as a weapon of war, as well as America’s Pimp Culture and its Impact on Modern Slavery. In addition to her many purists Cassandra is also working to develop a series of children’s books.

Cassandra currently resides in the Washington, D.C. metro area, where she also writes for the Examiner, as the DC Human Rights Examiner, and serves as an active leadership member of DC Stop Modern Slavery.


Areas of Focus:
Children's Rights; Human Rights; Conflict