A great quote memtioned that sum up the presentation of "Saida” and “Toward Enduring Peace in Sudan” is "what is healthy for the person is heatlhy for the planet." The presentation began with Scott Cole, and then Cole later introduced Peter Brussian. Cole is known for his knowledge in t'ai chi, fitness, and general wellness. Brussian is known for his media work to shine a light onto developing countires and their issues. The duo have known each since high school and reunited about 6 years from this current date to find that there minds are very similar. The mentioning of Scott and Brussian being reunited is important because it creates for a great segway into Scott presenting his trip to Uganda, which was due to Scott hearing abou the Water School.
Our school, Frostburg State University, granted a fundraiser program to tthe Water School. The goal of the strangely named school was to provide countries in Africa with clean drinking water. The method that was provided the aid towards African countries, namely Uganda in this presentation, was called "solar disinfection (SODIS)." The website from the Water School states "a simple and sustainable water purification technique that harnesses the sun’s UV rays" to show how the water is processed into purified water. The Water School has given over 40,000 Ugandan's clean drinking water. While being there to elicit clean drinking water to the Ugandan people, Scott also recieved something in return. The positivity and energy he felt from the kids when the kids embraced him into their life was beautiful in the eyes of Cole. He was touched by their kindness and pureness of nature. The video was named "Unbridled Enthusiasm."
After Cole's video, he hads the mic to Brussian. The main focus from Brussian during our time was about international development with programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of USAID is to help less fortunate countries and people. Despite the positive nature of USAID, the service has experienced budget custs resulting in being 1% of the US's total budget. However, Cole exclaims in a humble manner that the cuts aren't necessarily a terrible idea if the money goes to a equitable and suitable cause. But going back to the film, set in Sudan, was named "Saida." The film was about a girl who is working in a small village in Sudan named Kiela to earn money to pay for her college tutition. Aptly named, the girl mentioned was the title, Saida. She was an incredibly hard worker and went through the process of making charcoal with her aunt just to pay herself with school.
The final film was called “Toward Enduring Peace in Sudan”which had the purpose of highlighting all of the great programs the USAID is providing those in Sudan. Through the USAID, there was work done for people who don't have jobs, especially those with college degrees, to harness a craft in a trade school to support themselves. Basically, the USAID aimed to improve resilience in the economy. Despite the struggles of the nation, the population is relatively stable due to the work being done to try and improve the country. Donald Trump was mentoined of how he lifted the sanction on Sudan, and the people of the country love Trump for doing so. The USAID working intentionally to give women more oppurtunies, as well as helping the disabled and children that enhabit the nation. A man named Amir was aiming to be a mechanic to follow in his father's footsteps. Due the medical aid from USAID, Amir is a mechanic today. Also, the children in many of Sudan's school are given milk pouches everyday. The milk given has massively benefitted these kids since the milk may be the only source of food and/or nutrition for these kids. In summation, more freedom and access to a higher quality of life has given the people of Sudan a drastically better life.
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