Robert Loe finds out about poverty
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Liard (Mar 23/01) - Crushing debt, people in the streets and payments made to the government for conceiving children.
Robert Loe, a Grade 10 student at Echo Dene school, became aware of those international issues at the Youth Forum of the Americas in Quebec City earlier this month.
"I learned about poverty and globalization in the lesser fortunate countries down south," he said.
Students from countries in South America, the Caribbean, and Central America were on hand for the conference. Translation services were provided.
"I wanted to know how did their countries get into debt," he said. "They have to borrow from the World Bank and pay them back."
In turn, Loe told his counterparts about Fort Liard, its people, languages and recreational and cultural activities, such as drum dances.
He said he's interested in a professional hockey career, but if that doesn't work out, he would like to find a way to help people in destitute countries.
The week-long trip was sponsored by The Students Commission, a national group that describes itself as a "global-minded organization that is run by youth for youth across Canada."
Loe was one of 300 students to attend the conference. Three students from Yellowknife and another from Tsiighetchic also representing the NWT. Fifteen hundred applications were submitted in total.
He also had an opportunity to explore some of old Quebec City's historic buildings.
Teacher Gerald May said he always encourages his students to apply for scholastic trips.
"We've been very successful getting kids out on different things," he said.
In this case, Robert's understanding of two cultures was an asset, May noted.
"This was a big deal, that many kids from all over the place," said May. "I was really proud of him."
