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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance Times, 1995-05-03, Page 7• -1 Ir, /1lr2 N95 Cold War demise has taken world by surprise Lewis addresses teachers at P.D. day By JIM BROWN The Advance -Times CLINTON - Many of the issues in the world today are linked, former Canadian ambassador to the Unit- ed Nations Stephen Lewis told Huron County teachers at the morning session of a professional development day on Friday at Central Huron Secondary School. "The post Cold War world has taken us all by surprise," he said. "By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the idealogical polarity, which had so destroyed much of international function, was all over." He said that with the end of Cold War, there was hope that the world be a safer place to live. The arms race was over, and the use of satellite countries in the service of large powers would be over. The former leader of the Onta- rio New Democrats said that there was now a peace dividend that could be distributed to reinforce priorities in economies suchvas ed- ucation, technology, social pro- grams, and many more. When the Berlin Wall came down, everyone assumed that new and vibrant and economies would emerge. Lewis stressed the changes in South Africa and the Middle•East. He noted just a few ago no one would have -"believed that Nelson Mandella would be the leader of South Africa and the the Israelis and Arabs would be sitting across a table from one another and dis- cussing peace. He said that everyone felt that perhaps after the Cold War period, that everything was finally going to be 'sane.' "No one realized that hospitals, schools and churches would be- come killing • grounds," said Lewis. He said that all the rules have changed as the end of the 20th century approaches. He noted that it is now possible for women, chil- dren and civilians to be seen as targets. Lewis said that the north -south divide has never been so much pronounced, and the economic gap is widening. As the 21st century approaches a number of international confer- ences have been held in an attempt to come up with an agenda for the next century. Stephen Lewis These conferences have dealt with everything from pollution and the environment to human rights and population stabilization. And, they have been held in differ- ent countries. However, one of the most im- portant conferences was the one held in India in 1993. Although the abortion debate became an un- fortunate sideshow of this confer- ence, the conference equated women's rights with human rights. Lewis said that 117 heads of government were in attendance, and some were forced to run for cover as the women's groups were able to collaborate internationally for the first time and push for gen- der equality. 'This was one of the most excit- ing conferences I've ever attend- ed," he said. He added that it was at this con- ference that population stabiliza- tion became the empowerment of women. "If families in the developing countries could be persuaded that if their children lives, then they won't need so many children so that some may live," said Lewis. He said that social harmony was a key to ending poverty, but that the biggest hurdle towards social harmony was that governments were unsure how to deal with it, so they just back away. Lewis said another important conference was the World Summit on Children in September 1990 He noted that it was the first interna- tional gathering of its kind and it established a set of priorities for children. He said that millions of children are plagued by international cretin- ism, it is technologically possible to save the lives of these chil- dren. While fighting poverty and starvation seems to be a never- ending battle, Lewis finds it ironic that governments can spend $62 - million on the Gulf War, but they can't find pennies to save children. The Convention on the Rights of the Child which came into exis- tence in September 1990 could become the first human rights con- venant in history. When the con- vention was first drawn up, only 20 cogntries ratified it. Now, over 170 have it ratified and there is an extreme push on the remaining countries to make it a universal convention. During the conference on the Environment and Development in June 1992, there was an emer- gence of non-governmental agen- cies which were able to exercise real power. Lewis noted that the Ethiopia of today is not the same as the drought -ridden country of 10 years ago. He said this country is mak- ing progress. Instead of food aid, all the coun- try wants is computers in the class room. "Technology•is a liberating phe- nomenon," said Lewis. "It is not an isolating experience." He said that computers are a great leveller, especially when everyone becomes proficient in computer technology. Speaking on the Royal Com- mission on Learning, Lewis said society was built on education. He added that teachers are be- ing asked to do more now then they were before. "To me, teachers should be characterized as heroes," he said. "I actually like teachers because of their commitment to an open learning environment," said Lewis. ME NNW NIMMIIHRSI { r � ,mac%.: -pkv S ::•'J.. .f£t,:+#?>:(.: ♦...?:.v:t:'?:y!9:::::,r::::.t.yr..t.:.::,.:"."::v'::::i:";::::kL:::.:: ::.,.: C'. :t' .,:tth:::ii.,;: o?r: ..,.:...t, .y :tJ.... ::..:. '. t:::......t. ..w ..... .:.........:..:........... ........ :. aaiYYyF w Think about the goods and services you buy. How many of em are produced or processed in this area? How many are imported from outside of our service area? Can you think of any of these imported goods and services that could be produced locally? If so, you could not only help Wingham, but also win valuable prizes as well. The Wingham and Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee are offering over $400 worth of prizes for ideas on goods and services you can think could be produced locally. Get together with family or friends — groups submissions are encouraged! Enter as often as you wish. In 100 words or less, identify a product or service Wingham currently imports from outside our service area (20 mile radius) that you think would be economically produced locally on a part or full time basis; or products and services that are not available that we need; or a product or service that we have but need more of in the community. All entries must be received by May 19, 1995. Contest Guidelines 1. The contest is open to anyone who wishes to enter with the exception of the contest judges and their immediate families; 2. Contestants may enter as an individual or submit a joint entry with family or friends; 3. There is no limit to the number of entries per individual or group; 4. Individuals or groups selected as submitting prize winning ideas will be restricted to one prize each, no matter how many of their ideas are selected by the judges; 5. Winners will be notified by phone on or before May 30, 1995. 6. If more that one individual or groups submits the same winning entry, prizes will be split among the winning groups or individuals where possible, if not, a random selection will be made by placing the names in a hat and a final name drawn, r Clip and Return with entry Community Commerce Contest Return to: Sponsored by the Wingham and Area Chamber of Commerce, t Wingham Economic Development Committee, F. E. Madill I Secondary School, Wingham Advance -Times and Wescast industries. In 100 words or less, outline a product or service that you feel 1 could be produced locally and why you feel it would be feasibly produced in our community. 4 Name: Address: Phone Number Category ri Adult ❑ High School Student Wingham and Area Chamber of Commerce `Community Commerce Opportunities Contest' Box 130, Wingham, Ont. NOG 2W0 All entries must be postmarked no later than April 30, 1995. You may want to consider one of the following: I a) One product or service that I feel could be produced in my community is... b) I think that it would be feasible to produce this txoduct or service in my community because... 1 c) Products or services we need that are not presently available in the community... d) Products or services that are being produced locally that we need more of... Excellence in Education...Receiving Excellence In Education awards from Madill Secondary School In Wingham were (front) Heather Askes, Lisa Alexnader, Sandra Bus- by, and Doug Nell; (back) Carolyn Elston, Brandon Coultes, and Anna Gibbons. Absent was Harry Train. Excellence in education Continued from front page Lisa Alexander Alexander, a fifth year student at Madill, is an enthusiastic, dedi- cated leader of the school in her role as president of the student council. She is also a member of the choir, an active participant in school drama productions and a member of Ontario Students Against Impaired Drivers (OS - AID). She has also been involved with the debating team, acted as head writer for last year's yearbook, and co-chaired the SPACE (Students Planning Activities Concerning Enrichment) committee. While maintaining an active role in the school, she has also achieved high academic standing (including top marks in the math contest during her Grade 11 year). Alexander is a vital member of the community as well. She has volunteered as a candy striper, coached baseball, and ran her own daycamp for a summer. She is the daughter of Mike and Jan Alexander of Wingham. Heather Askes Askes is an excellent student who has maintained an honors standing each year at Madill. • She is no in Grade 12 and con- tinues to be actively involved in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Although she is a Tierce' competitor she maintains an atti- tude helpful to others and is a fine representative of the school as a participant on athletic teams, Askes also enjoys her work as a prefect, a peer mentor and a peer tutor. She is the daughter of Richard and Dixie Askes of Lucknow. Sandra Busby Busby is a good all-around stu- dent who works hard both in school and in the community. She has graduated with her OSSD and plans to attend college in the fall to study office adminis- tration. Over the past four years, she has been actively involved with the community's Soundsation chorus and currently has the re- sponsibility of being the chorus' treasurer. She also enjoys reading and writing in her spare time. When not in school, Busby works part-time at the Co-op Peed plant in Wingham and is also quite busy babysitting young children in the area. She is the daughter of Harry and Elaine Busby of Belmore. Brandon Coultes Coultes is a very unique indi- vidual who contributes in many ways to the life of the school. In class, his leadership and good sense of humor is appreciated by his teachers and fellow classmates. His extra -curricular involve- ment has included membership in the Peer Mentor program, school hockey, basketball, volleyball, and soccer. He is currently head pre- fect and activities officer for the student council. He is son of Bryan and Yvonne Coupes of RR 5 Wingham. Carolyn Elston Elston has been described as re- sponsible, trustworthy, creative, high motivated, self-disciplined, poised, and efficient. She has been yearbook editor and has been participated for many years in debating, peer men- tor program, choir, and drama pro- ductions. An excellent time manager, Els- ton juggles a demanding part-time job, an active role in her church and church choir, a heavy academ- ic load, while maintaining an hon- ors average in OAC year. She pro- vides an outstanding role model for other young people in school and in the community. She is the daughter of Wayne and Lynda Elston of Wingham. Doug Neil Neil has been the head of the mathematics department at Madill for over 20 years. He is able to maintain a vitality in all classes through a variety of enthusiastic teaching techniques. As department head, Neil has de- veloped a long tradition of excel- lence in the department as illus- trated by outstanding results of mathematics competitions. • His involvement and interest in young people extends beyond the classroom. He coached the golf team to the Humn-Perth champion- ship in 1993. Neil is an asset to the communi- ty as well as the school. He has in- vested many hours and a great deal of effort in minor hockey and soft- ball — running clinics and serving on various executives. Harry Train Train is a teaching assistant who works with his CLN students in a unique, fun -loving style. He has a genuine interest in each student with whom he works as well as in other students in the school. In his straightforward, up- front and distinctive style of relat- ing to students that makes him de- serving of this award.. His willingness to help others is also appreciated by staff. Train's computer knowledge is a great asset to the school. His work also extends beyond the school. He is active in group homework and he offers support in various ways to families of children with special needs. Anna Gibbons Gibbons has received the com- munity award this year because of her great involvement in the school. ,She has served as the chairper- son of the Madill Home and School Association for the past several years, and has been instru- mental in providing leadership and energy to school support programs such as the Job Fair. Gibbons has also been actively involved in organizing information sessions for the entire county. She initiated the speaker for the Onta- rio Parents' Council. Her dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated by staff, students, and parents. Marion Drysdale contest Madill won at the county level in all categories they entered of the Marion Drysdale contest. The school did not enter the French or adult education levels. Each contestant wrote an essay on the theme, 'Family — Looking Back, Looking Forward." The winners were Bethany Luchies of Lucknow in Grade 9; Andy Shaw of Wingham in the ba- sic level, Jackie McBurney of Wingham in the general level. and Jane Darling of Wingham in the advanced level. Palliative care to recognize volunteers As part of National Volunteer Week, April 24 to 30, Wingham and Area Palliative salutes its vol- unteers and thanks them for their gifts of time, skills and compase. sion. Any person, family .member or friend who feels that he or she could benefit from the support of volunteers in caring for the termi- nally ill or bereaved is encouraged to contact palliative care at 357- 2720. Wingham and Area Palliative Care serves the communities of Wingham, Teeswater, Lucknow, Bru%sels, Blyth, Blucvale, Bel - grave, Fordwich, Wroxeter and Gorrie. Celebration continues on May 28 at Salvation Army After a wonderful evening on Sunday, March 26, when the Wing - ham Salvation Arm y Worship Centre was so full it was standing room only, a decision has been made to repeat the Interdenomina- tional Musical Celebration of Praise. The "Celebration of Music and Praise" will be repeated the eve- ning of May 28 at 6:30. The Salva- tion Army music team already is working on providing another eve- ning of exciting Christian music, including country and contempo- rary. Please remember, seating at the worship centre is limited to 155 and it will he necessary to arrive early to be sure of a seat, as they will he provided on a first-come, first- served basis. Further information will he avai- ahle closer to the date. Those who wish information are asked to tele- phone 357-1951 and leave their name, address and telephone num- ber. Auxiliary Rummage Sale...Mike Rawls of Turnbsrry Township looked over the toys and games at the re- cent hospital auxiliary rummage sale held at the Wingham Ar- mouries building.