In the midst of struggle in the world we find hope when we find the goodness in the hearts of the people around us! When Melissa Fleming presented her Gandhi Lecture on Non-Violence and gave excerpts from her book, “A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea”, at McMaster University on November 8–9, 2017, her words made a big impact on 5-year old Jorgito Fabra. He listened carefully, he thought hard, and he made a plan to help support homeless refugee children. Below is an account of Jorgito’s reaction to hearing Melissa Fleming’s words; and his plan for helping, as told by his father, Jorge Fabra :

“On November 8th, I took my 5-year son Jorgito to a talk at the Department of Peace Studies where I work. Melissa Fleming, the Head of Communications and Spokesperson for UN’s High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), was delivering a talk about the meaning of home for refugees. While it was a heartfelt and engaging presentation, it was not meant for children. Ten minutes into the speech, Jorgito was distracted, scribbling some numbers and letters on a piece of paper. What was I thinking in bringing a little kid to an university-level activity?

But my opinion changed the next morning. After breakfast, we saw Jorgito packing his 76-key Electronic Piano and a small bucket. His determined words surprised us: “Last night, I learned that some children do not have a home. That is bad.” And he added: “I do not know how to work. I am going to the lobby to play some songs on my piano so that people can give me money in this bucket. I am going to collect 100 dollars for them.”

It did make sense to take him to the talk after all. While he did not grasp the complexities of the speech, he clearly understood its central message. He understood that he has a home, and was able to put himself in the position of the children who lack one. He realized that no one wants to leave their home, but some have to do that to save their lives. He understood that children in such situation need help, and we all have a moral duty to help them.

We are proud that Jorgito’s actions embody the values of kindness and compassion that we want to promote in the Department of Peace Studies. We decided to support his wish, by making a small donation for UNHCR’s work for the homeless refugee children of the world. We hope you that Jorgito also inspires you to do the same. Children often remind us adults of what we already know but sometimes forget. Let’s do something to leave a better world for all of them.”

Info: This account of Jorgito’s plan for helping refugee children with the resources that a five-year old has, was written by his dad, Jorge Fabra, and is posted here with his permission. Jorgito’s wish has also been posted at: http://peacestudies.humanities.mcmaster.ca/mcmaster-peace-news-and-archives-think-reflect-act/ And if you also want to learn how to help UNHCR and refugee children, you can follow this link https://give.unhcr.ca/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1920&ea.campaign.id=41138&en_txn10=17-OL_UNR_HQ