Saanya's Speech at the World Children’s Festival, The National Mall, June 23-25, 2007

In June 2007, Saanya was asked to conduct a workshop at the World Children’s Festival – the largest creative gathering in the world.  She was the only young person asked to lead a workshop, together with creative artists from around the world.  Saanya talked about how important it is to use your creative passion to do good.  She said, “I feel that I need to help so much because there are so many people in the world that have so little and live on less than one dollar a day…I know that one day with each one of us doing our part, we can make this world a much better place. A place where all children can go to school, where all children can eat a healthy meal, and where all children are free to create.” 

“Children Helping Children: Making Cards that Care”

Saanya Hasan Ali, workshop leader

Hello, Assalamalikum, Hola, Konichiwa.  My name is Saanya Hasan Ali and I am 11 years old.  I am here at the World Children’s Festival to learn how kids from all over the world live, play, work and most importantly,  create.  I would also love to share with you  how I use art and creativity to promote good.

Two years ago I decided to start my own non-profit organization when my mama got an email from friends of ours asking us to support Pennies for Education and Health (PEH), an organization that they had started to provide education and health care for poor children in South Asia.  I support children through PEH and I have also supported children affected by hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in South Asia.  I help kids by making cards out of all sorts of materials – like rubber stamps, glitter, paint and recycled supplies – and selling these to friends, family and neighbors in my community. 

Here are my thoughts on how you too can help and get started.  First, the will must be in you before you start, otherwise your plan won’t go so far.  Then you have to think of a cause to support, like homelessness, education, child labor, endangered species, or global warming just to name a few.  There is so much we can do to help.  After that, you have to find something creative that you like to do to raise money – like making cards, or tye-dying t-shirts, or making beaded necklaces or bracelets, or painting.  Next, you have to get publicity and tell people what you are doing.  Then take your organization wherever it needs to go to succeed.

Why should we help? I feel that I need to help so much because there are so many people that have so little and live on less than one dollar a day.  Global warming is endangering many species, kids are not in school, rainforests are being cut down, and child laborers are working from dawn till dusk.  This is the least I can do to help. If we help a little bit or a lot, it makes a big difference. Plus it is fun because you feel like you are at least doing your part.  I know that one day with each one of us doing our part we can make this world a much better place.  A place where all children can go to school, where all children can eat a healthy meal, and where all children are free to CREATE!

           Now if you would like to help make change right now you can help make cards for my organization.  Be creative and do good for others – what could be better!  While you are doing this, be happy and keep in mind that you are helping someone have a brighter future.  My motto is: mix in a little heart and a little help, and smiles will churn out!

Thank you for listening.

Please Donate Now! Over 200 Applicants are waiting for this life changing opportunity

To order Cards that Care send an email to salmahasanali@yahoo.com