Kelsey learned so much

Kelsey at Human Rights Training Weekend at Goedgedacht

This weekend was the human rights weekend and it was such an awesome experience that I know I would never have anywhere else. I think the best part was being able to talk to people from Africa Unite. We discuss with each other in our group the issues in Africa but it was really interesting to hear their opinions from their perspectives of being from Africa. My roommate was Karen and she was from South Africa. It was awesome to be able to room with someone from another country. Separating into groups for the countries and acting out the UN conference was probably the best way to understand how difficult it is to ensure human rights to everyone. The new planet exercise was painful at times but was able to get the point across how difficult it is to please everyone and how stressful it is to have to decide who gets what privileges and why while at the same time grant everyone their rights.  We also had a workshop about human rights and refugees. I did not know the difference between a refugee or an asylum seeker or any of their granted rights. I’m really glad I know now. I know have a new perspective about people immigrating to America. They are obviously leaving their country for a reason and are looking for some sort of safety and freedom. I really am sympathetic for those people and can’t imagine what’s it’s like to have to leave everything and go out and start a new life. Overall, I’m really glad we attended that. It was such a quick weekend but I learned so much and they gave us a handbook so we can reach out to the communities here and back home.