International Perspective

Cecily’s international, multicultural education and activism training was facilitated by children all around this globe, 17 years wise and under. Interviews, greater than 1,000, were conducted in-person at United Nations Summits, and international youth conferences, as well as email. Children of countless nationalities, religions, and economic status poured their stories full of conviction and compassion, and frustration and passion. Children from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, Sudan, Tibet, India, Palestine, Israel, Colombia, to name only a handful, provided Cecily with keen insight into the pains, tragedies, and triumphs happening on a daily basis, beyond the average American’s knowledge.

Amazingly, children who had known terrible suffering and loss, and had so little material belongings or security, exhibited a generosity of spirit on a level unbeknown to Cecily and many Americans. Naturally, the question emerged as to how we in America, and other materially-developed countries, can foster such ease of generosity for the sake of giving, as compared to motivation of personal gain?

Equally revealing, were the communications with gifted children with heightened sensibilities, artistry, and intelligences who provided confirmation and encouragement as to what is possible for humanity and already in process. See www.youthlink.org and www.takingitglobal.org. The infinite blessings and lessons that came from these life-shaping encounters were the purpose and outcome of a project Cecily birthed in 1998: Children’s Messages to the World. Ishmael Beah, then a boy and now a man, author, and profound light in this world, is one of souls that greatly influenced Cecily’s path and continues to grace it. Cecily is forever grateful to the children of this world who personally showed her how much good, and much heart, is here.

Cecily recalls pondering the big questions of life as a toddler, and throughout childhood, and as a result was motivated to listen to hundreds of children, of all faiths, share their curiosities, hurts, and wisdom. It is her wish to support parents in experiencing, and responding to, our children as inherently spirited and bright (no matter our own limitations). If each child comes with his/her own song to be heard and played, then do they come with their sheet music blank for us to compose? Perhaps, it takes our adult eyes and ears time to tune in, perceive, and listen to the music innately present. Many children seem to be born with great conviction of who they are, and in-kind expect respect. At the same time, many children may question who they are and their sense of belonging, and require validation and assurance.

“The essence of the human spirit is the life-blood of conception and propels our being and growth. We will be wise to support the blossoming of the human spirit in our children.” - Cecily