May 23, 2011

Hands Across The World

Eight of the most successful music acts in Africa joined in a group called One8. The idea behind the project is to connect people through music. The pan-African super group caught the attention of Billboard International publication who included them on theirs "Best Bet for 2011" list.
Last November, R. Kelly joined the group and so the message behind the group got a wider meaning and gained an important source of energy and creativity.
The first song to come out from this collaboration is "Hands Across The World". Uplifting, with beautiful harmonies and it makes a powerful statement.
Heal The World !



One 8 are:
R. Kelly – USA, 2Face – Nigeria, Alikiba – Tanzania, Amani – Kenya, Fally Ipupa – D.R. Congo, 4X4 – Ghana, JK – Zambia, Movaizhaleine – Gabon, Navio – Uganda
 
 Hey world stand up
Stretch out your hands
One8 represent the dream
Africa
Feel free
One8 let's get them

I'm reaching out to the poor people
The sick and the alone
I'm reaching out to the fortunate who can build their own homes
I'm reaching out to the ones who seems to have lost their way
And I'm calling on all the ones who can show them a brighter day
I believe if you believe then we can achieve anything
So lift your voice and give it everything
Now let you're your heart sing

Chorus:
Africa to America
Everywhere common and spread some love
We got faith and a little hope
I believe that we can heal the globe
It's time to open our eyes and see
That all we need is you and me
Unity's like harmony
So let me see you stretch your hands across the world
Hands across the world...


I'm reaching out to all of the hoods and the streets everywhere
I'm reaching out to all in need to show the world that you care
Can't go no more you've given up and your energy's running low
I'm reaching out to the pastors and the words they give us all
I believe that if you believe then we can achieve anything
So lift your voice and give it everything
Now let you're your heart sing

Chorus:
Africa to America
Everywhere common and spread some love
We got faith and a little hope
I believe that we can heal the globe
It's time to open our eyes and see
That all we need is you and me
Unity's like harmony
So let me see you stretch your hands across the world
Hands across the world...

It's the world main project my desire
The power of love you cannot deny ya
Let's go people it's time to go higher
Let's spread your wings I believe you can fly ya
We can do anything if we believe
Let me see you dance if you got victory
If we come together we can make history
So let me see you reach

[Chorus: X 2]
Africa to America
Everywhere common and spread some love
We got faith and a little hope
I believe that we can heal the globe
It's time to open our eyes and see
All we need is you and me
Unity's like harmony
So let me see you stretch your hands across the world
Hands across the world

Cross the World
One8 project
Feel free


May 22, 2011

Children's Day - Invisible Children


"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, 
we shall have to begin with the children."
Ghandi
Decades of war and violence, countless casualties, hundred of thousands left without a home, about 2 million people in harms way, children being abducted, given guns and forced to fight the war.
A world unaware of or unwilling to learn about the suffering.
It took 3 young men - call them reckless, crazy or whatever, I call them God-sent - who went to Africa in search of a story (any story) and their Invisible Children: Rough Cut documentary  to open the eyes of the international community.
Watching the documentary has proven to be a huge task for me. But I did saw it. It was one of the most horrifying, inspiring hour of my life. 
And if you watch it and makes you sick, I say good - ACT on it. 
Make that change.


 For more information about the war and the steps taken to help the children in Northern Uganda, as well as learning about what you can do to help please visit the Invisible Children website.


DO MORE THAN JUST WATCH.



"From this day forward, may a new song be heard.
Let that new song be the sound of children laughing.
Let that new song be the sound of children playing.
Let that new song be the sound of children singing.
And let that new song be the sound of parents listening.
Together, let us create a symphony of hearts, marvelling at the miracle of our children and basking in the beauty of love.
Let us heal the world and blight its pain.
And may we all make beautiful music together"
Michael Jackson


Join the action

Visible Child Scholarship  Program

Invisible Children on Twitter

Invisible Children on Facebook
Invisible Children on MySpace

Invisible Children on YouTube


May 16, 2011

Strength


We have many definitions for strength. We relate it to resilience, (physical) force, will power, courage,wisdom, beliefs ... Rarely we mention love and trust when talking about strength. I guess because we still view emotions as weaknesses rather then strengths.
I have been changing my understanding of the concept and today I find it difficult to give a definition - I can only begin to explain it with the example of people I know and/or have in my life. And it usually involves their amazing capacity to love, to give, to care and to trust.


Happy Birthday my dear friend !
May your prayers be answered.
Thank you for your love and strength.




May 14, 2011

Ending Modern Day Slavery

Most of us relate slavery to African-Americans being shipped over from Africa to the United States in the 16th through the 19th centuries...few of us are aware of the ongoing struggle many people face in the 21st century.

Modern day slavery is still a strong cell of activity around the world: Globally, some 600,000 to 800,000 people are being trafficked across international boarders each year, 20% of the victims are children.*
In the United States, the CIA estimates 50,000 people are trafficked through the USA annually as sex slaves, domestics, garment and agricultural slaves.*


These numbers are startling to say the least; thankfully, there are many groups dedicated to ending this disturbing trend.
Members of IALF will share information via CNN's Freedom Project. Please feel free to check out the following link for information, stats, and ways to help: http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/


For additional information about human trafficing, visit UNICEF (www.unicef.org), World Hope International (www.worldhope.org), and Save the Children (www.savethechildren.org)






*stats from grnet.com and US State Department