The following Namibian proverb perhaps best summarizes my personal motto in life: “If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito.” It might be a cliché, but I truly believe in the ability of every individual to make a positive and lasting contribution to the realization of a more just, sustainable and peaceful world.

Just a few words about myself. Having completed my studies in International Relations at the University of Victoria, Canada, and Sciences Po Paris, I have a deep passion and commitment to poverty eradication, youth empowerment and development.  I am particularly interested in the involvement and participation of youth in holistic education and education for sustainable development.  I have been actively involved with a range of educational organizations and initiatives to address development-related issues, including the Commonwealth of Learning, Association of Commonwealth Universities, Observatory for Borderless Higher Education, Earth Charter International and UNESCO. I currently work as Junior Lecturer in the Master’s in Development and International Cooperation Programme at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland.

Having worked at the Earth Charter International Headquarters in Costa Rica, it is my passion and life journey to help bring together people from different ages, backgrounds, religions and nationalities to affect positive change. As the North America Co-Representative of the Youth Leadership Team, I am particularly excited to announce the recent launch of the Earth Charter Oneness Book Project.  Until March15th 2009, we will be gathering personal stories and photos on the theme of experiencing oneness or deep connection in people's lives. I warmly invite you to visit www.earthcharterinaction.org/publication for further details, and to share with us your voice, your images, and your inspiration.

More generally, I am passionate about education, children and youth, religion and spirituality, and environmental sustainability. I am also a writer, keen musician, amateur photographer, and great admirer of communal life.  If you have similar interests, or would simply like to share thoughts and ideas, please get in touch- I would love to hear from you!