Global Changemakers

Just over a week ago I jetted off to Italy, to what was a fantastic, memorable weekend, with the company of Katherine, as well as my mentor Danny, plus Robbie and Angela. Where I was invited as a Global Changemaker and as the Founder of Global Forum 40, to participate in a panel discussion with the likes of; Jaques Attali a famous French economist and current advisor to Nicolas Sarkozy and Maurizio Sacconi the Italian Minister of Labour, Health and Social Policies. As part of San Patrignano’s WeFree Day, where the theme of the forum was a statement made by Kennedy in 1968, addressing the contradictions of Gross Domestic Product, which still remain at large in today’s society.

The discussion was very in depth and some what lively with a number of interesting points being raised by fellow panellists, during my presentation I decided to address the needs of universal primary education and HIV/AIDS, not forgetting adding my own reflections and comments on the current financial crisis plaguing our globe. Plus the concerns that we as the younger generation have about society at present, whereby I further called upon those politicians in attendance to work with us and not against us, as well as to continue to go out and commit to working with young people in their countries and communities.

After the panel discussion I had the chance to network with a number of people, including the Vice President of Columbia Francisco Santos Calderon, a man that I find truly unique and like no other politician I’ve ever come across. He sure was an inspiration and his story to becoming the Vice President of Columbia is rather moving, having been kidnapped by Pablo Escobar the leader of the Medellin Cartel in 1990, which led to the death of his brother in law. But Francisco remains to this day as a human rights activist, creating his own NGO ‘Foundacion Pais Libre’ (Free Country Foundation), which helps those who have been the victims of being held hostage due to the ever growing drug battle in Columbia. He also told us about the Shared Responsibility Campaign, which raises public awareness of the impacts of cocaine production on the environment of Columbia’s forest biodiversity, which included deforestation and chemical contamination – some of the facts were rather frightening and alarming!

We were then met by two of the residents of San Patrignano Harry and Ivica, who were our tour guides of the day and took us around this incredible organisation, sharing with us just some of the workshops San Patrignano has to offer these amazingly talented young people. San Patrignano is home to more than 1600 young people whom have in the past had issues with drugs, but are now changing their lives for the good, by learning a trade and at the same time going through a rehabilitation programme. It become clear how much of a family this organisation is, just being with Harry and Ivica for a day proved of how easy it was to make a special bond and a relationship of good friendship, we ate together with the rest of the residents in what is described as the heart of San Patrignano the dining room. Words can not quite express the experience of dining as one unit, it was simply fantastic and I’ve never experienced anything like it before, the food was served by residents and was freshly made by the young people just one of many of the talents the young people of San Patrignano have to offer.

After lunch we continued on the tour of San Patrignano, taking in more of the talent and the beautiful surroundings, we visited the AIDS ward where we learnt a number of facts and listened to the story of how the unit was set up. Just being in the ward itself was some what emotional and moving, but one thing that struck me, was no matter how ill those people were they had a smile on their face that surely lit up your day, after leaving the hospital we visited a number of other sectors and WeFree experiences. One in particular that stands out was a nightclub, of which they had one of Italy’s famous DJ’s doing a live set, but there was a message to this ‘rave’ which was simple, they were showing young people how to have fun without drugs and alcohol and how to enjoy music – if only you could of been there to see the impact of this message!

To close the day we were treated to a closing ceremony, which captured the true essence of the day and showcased the breathtaking talent the young people of San Patrignano have to offer, from break dancing to graffiti, to singing to drumming and the list goes on. I have never been so amazed in my life and San Patrignano has made a real impact on my life, this short trip has turned into a memorable experience and I don’t think words can quite capture the true essence of this visit, one thing for sure is I will be going back and visiting again and again for years to come – I feel as if I’m now apart of the community and family of San Patrignano.

I cannot wait to continue talks with Andrea and Monica, about holding Global Forum 40′s forum, within San Patrignano as part of next years WeFree Day, to find out more information about what San Patrignano has to offer and it’s amazing award winning restaurant Vte and it’s pizzeria SP.ACCIO where the best pizza in the globe is served, check out http://www.sanpatrignano.org.

Stay tuned for further information about future visits and the video of the panel discussion!