HELP LIBERIA FOUNDATION

White Band Day Observed in Poland

Posted by Help Liberia Foundation on September 20, 2005

On 14th September 2005, Help Liberia Foundation, in collaboration with Zespol Szkol Ekonomicznych (a high school in Gorlice, Poland), joined The Global Call To Action Against Poverty in the White Band Day II campaign, whose goal is to point out the political backtracking on, and the lack of progress in, poverty eradication, as well as to appeal to world leaders to be more effective in their promise to reduce poverty.

Mrs. Anna Kopacz, Assistant Executive Director of Help Liberia Foundation and chief organizer of the program, who also happens to be an English teacher in the school, opened the meeting. In her opening statement, she welcomed the participants and explained the purpose of the program and the essence of the White Band Day.

Students are already assembled, waiting for the commencement of the program

After Mrs. Kopacz’s brief introduction, the students had short speeches. They spoke about the Millennium Development Goals, poverty in the world, and other global problems. They expressed their disapproval of poverty and stressed the need for world leaders to take serious actions aimed at reducing poverty considerably. They also prepared posters with an appeal to the governments of the world. As suggested by the organizers of the campaign, most of the students put on something white; some brought white balloons.

Students with white balloons and attire to signifiy the day.

Students giving speeches during the program

Following the students’ gracious call for poverty reduction, Mrs. Anna Dobrowolska, President of the Board of Directors of the foundation, spoke about the possibilities of reducing poverty. She also told the guests about the living conditions in Liberia and encouraged them to help the Liberian people, as, in her opinion, it is the moral responsibility of those who have to help those who don’t have, or those who are in need.

Students are listening attentively to the speakers

Students of the school proudly displaying poster prepared by them

At the end of the meeting the students signed a symbolic petition to the leaders of the world asking them to keep their word and restore dignity into the lives of millions of people in developing countries.

Students signing petition to the leaders of the world

The program, which was held in the open field of the school, brought together students, teachers, journalists, administrators, and executives of the foundation, etc. Because the exercise was a great success, the foundation has planned to organize similar programs in other schools and communities.

L-R (the two ladies): Mrs. Kopacz and Mrs. Dobrowolska chatting after the program

To learn more about The Global Call to Action Against Poverty, go to www.whiteband.org