"Have you heard the word about Simon's project?"

I've often wondered since I was young why the world we lived in today was filled with the poorest of poor, the richest of rich and the people in between. What I've wondered even more than that is why there are more poor people starving in our world today, then they are rich getting a tan in California. I've always wondered... but I never really knew the answer until recently. Greed... this was the answer to everything. Because of greed, people are starving, dying... to the point that it isn't right anymore. Poverty had struck me even moreso than some people because I had seen it first-hand, having lived in a developing country for most of my life. This experience may not have been as eye opening as seeing the people in Third World countries like Africa suffer, but it was eye opening enough for me to know how bad the situation was getting. So I wondered, what could I, a high school student do to change the world? I was only one person, insignificant... I wasn't much.

I still remember the first time I heard about Simon's project. It was during the opening ceremony on the first day of my high school career. He talked about his story, about how he escaped Sudan with his family and his life. Now, he is living in Canada... he could forget his past and start over, live a happy life... and yet, he CHOOSES not to do so. It didn't make sense, as least to me, who as well came to Canada, away from my home country although I do miss it very much. But then he explained his reason, as well as his project. Simon's project... the goal of building a school in Southern Sudan. He wanted to help his countrymen... he wanted to get them the same education he was getting... he wanted something better for them. I was touched... but not enough to get me actively involved. I thought that it would be the same... how much could one person do after all? The project might have just died down after a few months, and our world would be the same old greedy place as it has been for years, maybe even moreso.

But he proved me wrong, in so many ways. He has been going everywhere, spreading word about his project, trying to find funds in order to build the school he dreams of building. There have been massive fundraisers in our school... coffee houses, fashion shows... and even now, a marathon race, a race for Simon's project. Even now, he is spreading the word by joining the Quantum Shift contest of being the change and sharing the story. Simon had grew from his small beginnings to this massive project that is not only known within our small school community, but in North America as well. His efforts have gained him a lot... funds and more importantly, supporters who are all inspired by what he has done, why he is doing it and what he has accomplished. Now, I am one of them. I may not be as active as I'd like, but little by little, I'm becoming a more active global citizen... all thanks to Simon. I now believe that one person may not be able to change the world, but they can start it... and with time, more people will join up and support your cause. Simon and this site are proof of that.

So, have you heard the word about Simon's project?

I have... and I'm glad I did.

Be the change! Share the story! Join Simon's project and support his cause!

Thanks for reading.