A Democracy Evening

August 28, 2008 was the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech, which called for racial equality in the US. Even after 45 years, the speech remains an inspiration to civil rights activists all over the world. August 26, 2008 marked the 88th anniversary of granting of voting rights for women in the USA, through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. We, the Maldivians, are also going through an exciting time, as the long process of constitutional amendment ended on August 7, 2008. The first multi-party election in the country is expected to take place within the year. To mark the 45th anniversary of 'I Have a Dream' speech, the 88th anniversary of women's suffrage, and to have a discussion on the democratization process in the Maldives, Strength of Society (SOS) and Madulu, two civil society organizations, invite you for A Democracy Evening.

Date: 4th September 2008
Time: 8 45 PM
Venue: Henveyru Boalhage

Youth Forum ON Right To Vote

S.O.S is working to hold a voting rights educational and question and answer open forum this week. Aimed at young people at getting the message through and trying to create a participatory democracy in Maldives. The importance of a single vote and how it can change our lives. This will hopefully be a continuous effort of S.O.S and other NGO's in a series of open forums. Check our blog and face book group for updates.
Big Question: WOULD YOU ATTEND AND TALK AND QUESTION?
There would be a presenter and he will present the information and then participants will have opportunity to question.

TIME TO VOTE

It is the RIGHT of every citizen above the age of 18 to go out and vote in public elections.It is our right to decide our leaders and representatives. The RIGHT to vote was a right many people died trying to secure in many countries. It is the mechanism of upholding Democracy. It is THE tool of change.OUR call is for every youth to be educated on the different presidential candidates and to get out to vote. Take your friends.Decide your future! GET OUT TO VOTE!!!A vote doesn't make you a politician but your vote counts in deciding our FUTURE

LET THE YOUTH BE HEARD

The time of Democracy and modern thinking are upon us. With fires of knowledge lit beneath every institute we are in a the eye of a storm. there is so much upon us that we need to be careful in our actions decisions and interpretations of the changes around us. One thing that we need to BELIEVE is that the future is OURS.The decisions made today will affect the Lives of us and our Children. The youth of today will stand tall tomorrow on the shoulder of laws regulations and constitutional rights agreed and acknowledged today, in our Majilis and government.If we decide to let them go ahead and do what they feel right then when the time comes for us to take over the country we shall be left vacant and empty.If we are not involved in the crucial process of change we are going through today we shall never understand or exercise our right of deciding our future.The YOUTH between ages of 18 to 25 make up more than 25% of the population. Our voice is strong if we decide to make it be heard. It is now time for us to stand observe and get involved.It is not about POLITICS, it is about our RIGHTS.Let us be united and let them hear our voice.Let us decide what we want for our future.It is our responsibility for our children.

STREET VIOLENCE AND GANGS

This country might be going through reform in the political arena but if we end up with a free and modern democracy and no youth then the future is bleak. The youth needs to be addressed immediately with their problems. The government needs to take action now. It has neglected action against gang violence amidst theories of government seniors involved directly with such gangs. Parents need to be more assertive and caring. The population needs to shed tears when a single child of it is violated and hurt no matter which gang he or she belongs to. We are all in the same boat if one person rocks it the result might be everyone being toppled into the ocean. We need to care. We need to love. We need to remember we have better ways to show power and self defiance than hurting someone else physically. Lets together weep for our children and then contribute to creating a caring society than a violent one.

HUMNAN RIGHTS DAY 2007

The international Human Rights Day 2007, 10th December is to be marked by the Maldivian Civil Society Network [MCSN]. S.O.S is a member of the network and is now working to organise the activities for the day. We seek funding and ideas of activities that can be done for the day. Please send in your ideas via email.
sos.org@gmail.com

http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/humanrights/

HEALTH PROMOTION NETWORK MEEITNG

The objective of this meeting was to provide a forum for members of government sectors and NGO’s to work towards a more comprehensive and effective approach to health promotion in Maldives.
Topic for this session was “health effects on tobacco and substance abuse”.
DPH brought in to light the activities carried out to control tobacco use in Maldives. A tobacco act has been formulated and sent to people’s majlis for approval.
Diabetes and cancer society has been working on a tobacco cessation clinic. Nicotine patches and quick packs been introduced.
IGMH highlighted on the increased number of injuries and deaths caused by accidents. Severe head injuries and death caused due to road traffic accidents.
Youth Health café shared their experience working with difficult groups.
Journey advised on how to reach to high risk groups and shared their practices and experiences.
SOS voiced out their concern for the inclusion of youth at areas directly affecting youth. And the need to share the out comes of such meetings with other NGO’s and relevant bodies.