Hello from the road! I’ve been very busy lately with speaking engagements throughout the Greater Toronto Area. I love public speaking and I really enjoy talking to people one on one. It lets me know what’s on people’s minds.
I spoke to more than 500 people last week at the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s Movers and Shakers Conference. I believe that teachers can have an extraordinary influence on students. Teachers can show young people not only how to be good learners, but responsible global citizens that can make change in the world today. I know my teachers have certainly had that kind of influence on me.
The Leadership Summit portion of the conference illustrated this first hand, showcasing young people in the Toronto area and the work they are doing to make a difference in their communities and around the world.
I gave another talk last week to the Ismaili youth community, which again included more than 500 people. It was a very engaging workshop that lasted for more than an hour and a half. I was great to meet other young people from my religious faith who are working to build a better future. Even though I was the speaker and was telling them about my recent activities, I had the pleasure of learning about theirs, too!
The Ismaili community is also celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the World Partnership Walk, Canada‘s largest annual event dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds to fight global poverty, organized by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. I will be participating for the ninth year in a row this coming May 31st, and I hope you can as well.
100 percent of the funds raised are given to the cause of reducing poverty and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) matches that number dollar for dollar. There’s more information at www.worldpartnershipwalk.com. Check out the website! In fact, if you’re a student, speak to your teacher and principle to register your school to participate in the event. I know they will be interested in talking to you about it.
Next week I’ll be speaking to students at Bayview Glen and Oak Ridge public schools. I’ll be discussing my efforts to start a youth volunteerism program in every school throughout the country. I would love to come and speak to your organization or group as well. If you’re interested in booking me, click here for more information and send me an email at bilaal@makingchangenow.com. I look forward to speaking to you soon!
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
“Together We Can Make A Difference”
