The Kuwait-America Foundation (KAF) virtually hosted Do the Write Thing (DtWT) Recognition event, honoring this year’s DtWT National Student Ambassadors.

This year’s two-day virtual event is held under the theme “Futures Reimagined,” where DtWT “reimagines futures at the intersection of youth expression and leadership.” During the 2020-21 academic year, in spite of remote classrooms and online submissions, the KAF had about 40,000 students from across the nation share their stories and advocate for change as part of the Do the Write Thing Program, out of which 42 National Student Ambassadors have been selected this year.

With an inclusive approach, a demand for youth agency and a determination for change, Do the Write Thing has created a space for young people “to identify, process and understand the root issues that directly impact their lives and communities.” Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the KAF was not able to host its annual DtWT National Recognition Week but held it instead virtually due to “the importance to be able to honor and recognize the DtWT National Student Ambassadors, their families and educators.” The first day of the two-day DtWT National ceremony focused on the students whereas day two was dedicated specifically to teachers “honoring and supporting them in light of all of the work that they do, and especially after the last year and a half of the pandemic.” In his welcome remarks, KAF Chairman Dr. Hassan Al-Ebraheem congratulated the 2021 National Student Ambassadors and their educators on “the courage” they have exemplified in sharing their stories and experiences, saying their “honesty and commitment to change are commendable.

“It is with this same strength and sincerity that I imagine you have confronted the many changes and trials of this past year and a half. Your lives and the world as you had come to know it were no doubt altered, but you have persevered,” he said.

He added “unfortunately, as your Do the Write Thing essays have demonstrated, many of you are no strangers to difficulties. Life has presented its challenges, but incredibly, you have challenged back.

“You are brave beyond measure, and the Kuwait-America Foundation, and the people of Kuwait, are proud to support you on this journey, just as we have for over 25 years,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Dr. Al-Ebraheem told KUNA that “this year marks an especially important milestone for the Foundation as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.

“Do the Write Thing was born out of the Kuwait-America Foundation?’s desire to reduce violence in communities across the US and its consequences on the lives of youth,” he added.

“Today, we continue this legacy by partnering with and supporting individuals, communities, and organizations across the globe committed to co-creating a stronger future where human potential is advanced and intercultural relationships thrive,” he remarked. “Connection is the cornerstone of all that we do, and we are grateful to be connected to all of you.” He continued, “our purpose has always been the promotion of peace and understanding, between individuals, across communities, and among nations, and it is my sincere hope that this aim will inspire us today, and continue to guide all of us in the days, months, and years to come.” Since DtWT’s inception in 1994, it is estimated that over 2.25 million students have engaged in classroom discussions, and 1.2 million students have submitted writings making a personal commitment to alleviating violence from their schools and communities

Source: Kuwait News Agency