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Humility
and Consciousness
What do we perceive as social consciousness?
This concept refers to a person's
knowledge about the condition in
which his fellow men of his immediate
environment are situated, as well
as to the perception of their needs.
The association "Soñar Despierto"
(Dreaming Awake) has been operating
in this way since 1998, encouraging
juveniles to accept responsibility
for the development of their community
by conveying social consciousness
through cultural, sporting and leisure
activities, as well as learning
opportunities. Those children that
are in urgent need for help benefit
the most.
Where
does your interest in this project
stem from?
Last
year at Christmas, a fellow student
asked me, if I wanted to take part
and become a member of the association
"Soñar Despierto".
I accepted this offer without hesitation
because I have always loved to help
children and spend time with them.
For instance, I dress up for "día
del niño" (Child's Day),
usually as a public character, and
visit the children at their homes.
I enjoy being with the children.
With one smile they are able to
express a wide range of feelings,
their innocence is contagious and
thus a relationship develops which
is hard to describe.
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Have
you ever had any problems?
Once we went to a hospital, dressed up
as clowns, and their was this boy, Brian.
It was obvious that he was furious, and
we tried to make him laugh, but despite
all our efforts we failed. This experience
had been really impressive, as it showed
that sometimes you are not able to cheer
them up. It is really hard to face certain
problems, such as the contact with abused
children or those who are in the terminal
of their ailment.
How
would you evaluate the social involvement
in Mexico?
There is a lot of financial support for
big institutions, but it should always
be kept in mind that there are small organizations
as well. Sometimes it is more important
to share human values and to mediate them,
rather then to just hand money. The main
goal of the project "Soñar
Despierto" is, for instance, to develop
social consciousness and to convey values
to juveniles from well-off homes, as they
often need this most. These values can
be acquired by experiencing a reality
which is different from one's own.
Who
inspired and influenced you?
First of all my family who conveyed those
values to me. My mother taught me to give
without expecting anything in return and
to help people. At school, especially
two teachers influenced me: Erika Bloog,
who has helped many children, who is indefinitely
patient and tolerant, and who has always
been helpful, despite a massive amount
of work; and Paty Garzón, who always
gives us a smile. Whenever I have had
a problem she has helped me and everytime
I see her she conveys this joy.
A
message you would like to adress to the
others?
It is very important that you support
us. To help others is something that is
very nice, because you get rewarded with
a smile and joy. A comment may it be only
a little one, leaves its mark. It is an
experience and a chance which everyone
should seize. If you want to join us,
you can contact the Chief Executive of
the project in Puebla, Eduardo Córdoba,
or me directly. You can also visit our
website: http://www.sdespierto.org/_index.php.
To help is a good deed. If you would like
to donate or to visit a hospital to spend
some time with the children - it is very
much fun and an unforgettable experience.
"Humbleness
will take you a long way"
Bettina Thoma
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