抄録
This address begins by mentioning some of the Japanese people whom Mama Miriam has come to know and through whom good relationships have been established. It mentions that the friendship established from person to person interactions and visitations provide the foundation for international friendships towards peace. This goes on to describe Africa’s difficult history and how this affects today’s livelihoods through the passing on of apathy, lack of hope and discouragement from generation to generation. Then she points out that through national and international cooperation, support and especially through the spirit of voluntarism, the people themselves are participating in creating the future they want. The address points out the importance of youth being nurtured in the spirit of volunteerism and points to great examples of JICA young volunteers as well as youth in UZIMA Foundation in Kenya who undertake positive social actions for society at large and for promoting the well-being of other youth. It ends by referring to the fact that the future we want is enshrined in the charter of the United Nations (UN) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In particular she refers to articles 25 and 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which refer to “the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and of his family, and the right to education directed towards development of the human personality.” She ends her address by urging all people to envision and work for future we want by promoting these ideals through participating in proactive volunteer work both in developing and developed countries.
