Imagine

I beamed when I first heard that UNICEF’s goal is precisely for injustice to disappear. This was selfless, I thought, and my last semester’s Philosophy class and John Lennon’s Imagine almost simultaneously made their way through my mind.

I think that the world lacks people who believe that there is hope yet. People have grown weary yet apathetic with the world’s predicaments that they simply shrug problems off as desperate yet banal. Most have come to believe that humanity is hopeless and that there is really nothing they could do. It is unfortunate, but if you come to think of it, they are really not entirely to blame. It is truly difficult not be cynical in this world. During the VIP’s orientation, one asked Ms. Tin how she keeps her idealism in the midst of everything that’s happening. It is challenging, Ms Tin admitted, and prayers are indispensable. I think that it is a sick cycle really—people need to act on the problems they see in society, but they are immediately appalled and disheartened by precisely that which they need to address.

Ultimately, humanity should save humanity. People should learn how to stare at poverty and other problems straight in the eye and try not to wince; should start believing that there is hope for this world; should act in order to “advance humanity”, and should believe that even the littlest good is an installment to making the world what it is supposed to be.

One day I sat at a café, unintentionally staring at the child who hastily yet cautiously filled his plastic bag with soda cans and mineral water bottles, watchful lest the guards shoo him away. I wordlessly prayed that I do not lose hope as I imagined what the world, what this child’s life would be like if there is no need for UNICEF.

“You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.” (Imagine by John Lennon)

If you are interested to learn more about UNICEF's VIP,
send an e-mail to kcarbon@unicef.org.
Or call (0632) 901-0154.