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20 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 12, 2004 Student conference highlighted Third World concerns By Elyse Curley, Andrew Posen, and Evanne Cochrane Friday, March 5, saw more than 200 hundred high school students from across the region attend the 5th annual conference on Third World Issues. The event was held at Iroquois Ridge High School. Blakelock was well repre sented at the conference with close to 40 students in atten dance. In addition, a team of eight students were involved in the early planning stages.This year the focus was on conflict and the impact on the poor. The for mat for the conference included a keynote speech by Professor Graeme MacQueen of MacMaster University's Peace Studies Department, a series of workshops and a closing speech by journalist Gwynne Dyer. From a participant per spective, the conference was a success. It was an event that didn't just identify world issues and problems, then leave you to ponder what and question what could be done. It'really gave us concrete information on how we could take steps and initiate activities that were realistic.. The Amnesty International workshop, for example, brought up the issue of Conflict Diamonds in Sierra Leone. It offered students an opportunity to become part of a letter writing campaign directed to our Prime Minister. The hope is that the letter writing will make Canadians more aware of this problem Funds from the sale of these diamonds feed the pur chasing of weapons and war materials. A parallel workshop was given by Kevin Keane of the Canadian Landmine Foundation. His powerpoint presenta tion illustrated the reality of the devestation brought by these low-tech, low cost weapons. One thing that stuck with us was the impact of these weapons on children and non combatant adults, long after the battles are over. Refugees from various countries in conflict were also at the conference to share their experiences. It was enlightening to hear of the terrible lives millions of people endure on a daily basis. In class, we learn the definition of refugee'; it is so much more profound to meet and speak with one. Before we participated in the lunch session, Tom Cochrane performed two songs, White Hot and A Prayer fo r Hope. He also spoke of his recent experi- Beff World MILTON 377 Main St. E (905) 878-1113 OAKVILLE Oakville Place (905) 815-9200 W inston Power Centre (905) 829-9001 N ow it's easier to share. School News ences with World Vision, and his visit to Canadian troops in Afghanistan. The conference was a unique learning experience. Not enough of our genera tion are aware of the critical issues impacting our world. It left us with a desire to spread the information and to also get involved. We also learned that in Canada we have a responsibility, as well as the means to make a dif ference. The hardest part is making the call to get started. Call Fred Astaire Dance Studios today. 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