by Anna Danso-Amoako
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| Albert Woodfox |
We shouldn’t consider it a privilege but we are lucky that
we can write. When there is an issue with how something is being done whether
it be within school or on a wider level such as our government, we have the
assurance that we could contact the appropriate authority to vocalise our
opinions. While it is true that we cannot always ensure that change is
guaranteed, it is a step in the right direction for a cumulative change.
It’s a power that’s
being utilised by an increasing number of people as activism for our world and
its many problems has reached a global high. Scenes of marches and
demonstrations in their many forms serve as a call to all those who watch as
they are replayed on our news to listen
and to act. Protest against injustice, now more than ever, is a necessity in
society and as our year draws to an end I hope you’ll take part in one more act
of protest that you can complete by simply putting pen to paper.
Annually, Amnesty International an organisation committed to
the prevention of human rights abuse holds their Write for Rights campaign and
with over 7 million members worldwide, it is the world’s biggest human rights
event. Over the past year we’ve seen the power our collective action has had
for change and our words carry the same impact. The aim of the campaign is to
raise awareness for individuals who have lost their voices by writing to show
solidarity for their causes. Mass writing events will be held throughout
November and December to allow opportunities for communities to come together
to write for the rights of others.
Already in PGS, the middle school has been taking part by
writing their own messages following their assembly in which Amnesty
Representatives, myself included gave a presentation outlining some of the
cases which meant the most to us. Mary, an Amnesty Representative and I spoke
on the case of Magai Matiop Ngong.
What was your mistake?
That is a question that has many answers, some would be
considered worse than others and so deserving of punishment but this must
always be just and fair. Magai was an ordinary person before his mistake, a
Sudanese boy who loved gospel singing and running with a dream to grow to
become someone who helped others. He was involved in trying to prevent a fight
within his neighbourhood. He fired his father’s gun intending only to send a
warning shot, the bullet however ricocheted and hit his cousin tragically
killing him.
Tried without a lawyer and unable to defend himself fully
Magai was sentenced to death by hanging aged just 15 years old. This is illegal
not only in Sudan but internationally as minors cannot be sentenced to the
death penalty. Yet it’s been two years and threat of execution hangs over Magai
who regrets immensely what happened to cousin, speaking of his sentence he said,“The
feeling is not good at all because no one likes to die. To be informed that you
are going to die, I am not happy for that. My hope is to be out and to continue
with my school.”
How can you help Magai and the other individuals?
Write to their governments to show them that the world is
watching and condemns their actions.
Amnesty is based in the Middle School Common Room but if you’d still
like to write a postcard you can send them for submission to Miss Hardisty and
Miss Williams. All submissions would be greatly appreciated. Or if you’d prefer
to type you can alternatively send tweets, emails and sign pledges for action
on the official Amnesty website:
As the festive season approaches I hope you strongly
consider taking part, already we’ve had touching responses from the Middle
School. Give the gift of compassion to those who have been denied the very
rights of being human and help us to continue to make a difference. As
Thanksgiving approaches for me and
Over the last few years the impact of this campaign had been
greater than just reassurance. In 2016, after 44 years of solitary confinement,
Albert Woodfox a Black Panther activist was released on his birthday. As
Thanksgiving approaches for me and many other Americans, I’m sure Woodfox never
imagined to be surrounded by all he is thankful for the third year after his
release. His sentence was the longest sentence of solitary confinement in
American prison history. In his own words he said,"I’d like to thank our
friends at Amnesty International for their remarkable support these last
years."
Your words mean so much more than you could imagine, write
for the right thing. Let’s give more this people hope that they are heard.
Write for Rights!
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