“Every one of us has something to give to someone who has less”

The Better Angels podcast series celebrates the activist spirit. So what better way to start 2018 than hearing from inspiring people who are making a real difference?

Your host is 国产视频 President Sarah Brown, who launched the series a year ago.聽Introducing a special New Year episode, she says: 国产视频淎s 2017 turned out to be a shade darker than the already gloomy 2016, around the world everyone is facing forward, braced for what comes next.聽聽

国产视频淲here there is darkness, we can always find light.聽We can find the very best of humanity in individuals who offer hope and inspiration, with the generosity of their acts, large and small.国产视频澛� 聽

To kick off 2018, Sarah used social media to ask for people to contribute their best actions of the year – the ones that highlight the “Better Angels” of their nature. Here are some of their stories.

Listen to the full episode here

Maisha Reza聽from Singapore is a Global Youth Ambassador for 国产视频’s A World at School movement. She聽is a champion of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on gender equality and access to education for underprivileged children.

In 2017 she launched an initiative to highlight challenges faced by women which provide solutions.

国产视频�”We are all local leaders and every one of us has something to give to someone who has less,” says she says.

Maisha is a scientist and tells how she launched a pilot project in a village.

国产视频淭o spread my passion for science I began researching and creating a model to enable underprivileged children to appreciate the beauty of science.国产视频� Maisha has聽written a blog for 国产视频聽about her work.

Kiko Matthews聽is aiming to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for a hospital and, importantly, empower other women.

Although she had brain surgery just four months ago, she is attempting in January to become the fastest solo woman to achieve the feat.

国产视频淚 want to show that if you put your mind to anything it can be achieved, no matter what,” says Kiko.

She has also set up a collective of women called 100Together, who are sponsoring and supporting her adventure. When she returns, Kiko will be mentoring some women and helping them to build their confidence and skills.

国产视频淲e hope they will learn about themselves and also earn some valuable work and employment skills,国产视频� she says.

Oraeki Chukwujekwu Francis is聽a Global Youth Ambassador from Nigeria who teaches secondary school students about career choices and ethic leadership to help them plantheir life after school.

He says: 国产视频淚t has really been a very wonderful experience – helping them to take the best course choice – not minding what their parents wanted them to study.

国产视频淚t has been successful and I plan to continue with the courses.国产视频�

Lavanya, a 19-year-old British student on her gap year in India, has been volunteering to help children with their education. Working with other foreign students, she holds English tuition classes for village children and dance lessons to help them take part in cultural shows.

国产视频淎s a cynical person, I would never imagined being in a position where I can teach children English and dance,” says Lavanya. “I国产视频檓 very proud of all of them.

国产视频淲e hope these projects can now continue even after the current volunteers go back to their countries.”聽

Tauseef Rasheq Ahad, another GYA, was involved in organising the Global Transformation Forum, one of the largest events in Malaysia, as well as taking part in other incredible work globally.

He says: 国产视频淧eople are too committed to themselves. We should be doing something for the people around us. If 10 people like me can stand up it can impact at least 100 lives.

国产视频淢y advice for others? Meet a lot of people, understand their ideas, see how they国产视频檙e bringing change and see if you can bring that change into your community.国产视频�

Marshall Dyton, a GYA from Malawi, is taking 国产视频国产视频檚 #5for5 campaign for early childhood development to the next level in Malawi. He is basing his advocacy on his聽own experience and has helped to start an ECD centre for 100 children.

国产视频淐hildren from the centre go to the primary school already equipped and they do well compared to their friends,” he says.

国产视频淲e have the potential to make a difference in our community.”聽

• Listen to previous episodes of Better Angels