This past
weekend was spent at the Goedgdacht Olive Farm for an incredible human rights
workshop and training. Over the course of three days we actively pursued the
truths within ourselves and our society defining what human rights truly are.
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| Ethan (in center) relaxing while gaining insight at the Human Rights for Social Cohesion Training Weekend |
On a
absolutely gorgeous farm, with beautiful views in all directions, the setting
for this retreat was divine. The amazing food, (I truly cannot emphasize
enough) beautiful hiking trails, and remarkable facilities allowed our physical
bodies to be pampered while our minds underwent serious philosophical and
informational workshops. We were led through a number of workshops that opened
our minds to the injustices of the world in a fun, exciting and participation
heavy way.
My
favorite exercise of the weekend was that of the “new planet.” In this exercise
we were divided into groups and given a fictional scenario of dividing resources
among these groups. Some groups had positions of power, while others were left
in a state of little control. However, all strived for some kind of unity and
cohesive living on this new planet and it was interesting to sea the different
“out-of -the-box” approaches that were taken. However it really served as an
insight into why so many human rights violations occur. Many countries were
placed into a situation in which they would have to sacrifice some of their own
wealth and happiness of their citizens so that a another country would not
starve. Though most people were okay with this idea in a fictional scenario,
real countries would have behaved much differently.
The weekend was truly
one of rest and relaxation. Never in recent history have I felt so at peace,
both within myself and within my surroundings. But this weekend also helped me
to realize the problems affecting millions across the world today. Such as life
under a dictator, the struggles of seeking asylum, as well as how human rights
are so often taken away. All in all, the weekend was a relaxing retreat from
the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, with a lot to of information and insight to
be gained
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