In the Community: 15-Year-Old Kasha, A Global Sunriser
When you were 15, what were you doing?
I myself, was playing hookie, sneaking into movie theatres and eating way too much not-so-good food. Meet 15-year-old Kasha Slavner. She’s doing something most teenagers her age wouldn’t think possible. She’s out to change the world. For six months, one semester out of school, the world will become her classroom. A member of Travel Massive in Toronto, Kasha is a blogger, photographer and filmmaker on a journey to find out what it means to be a global citizen, documenting stories of hope and resilience in developing communities. We caught up with her just two days before her first flight where she’ll also be celebrating her Sweet 16th in the air to South Africa.
When did you start attending Travel Massive meet-ups and why?
In 2013. We were looking for ways to connect with like-minded people and get tips for our big adventure we had planned. We’ve met great people we now call our friends and our common interest of travel are what brings us back each month. We’re planning to attend Travel Massive in Cape Town very soon!
One thing you learned most from being part of Travel Massive?
We’re not alone when we travel.
Together with your mom, you’re about to embark on a six month journey around the world to find stories of hope and resilience and highlighting ways we can make a change in this world. When did you realize you want to help make a difference?
My curiosity peaked at 8 years old. I would walk around my Toronto neighbourhood and see homeless people on the street, and question why.
What is the Global Sunrise Project?
The Global Sunrise project came out of a trip to the United Nations. I was invited as a youth delegate at the 57th commission on the Status of Women. Men and women from around the world gathered to discuss challenges facing women globally. I learned about the power women have to make a difference and that, when we empower women they be capable of so much more. When I attended last year I was so inspired to do something bigger by using my passion for travel, film and photography to teach others about world issues and global citizenship. I knew I could do something more to spark the interest of young people my age to take action too. In fact, there’s been a great response in donations and support from people who believe in my project.
What is Global Citizenship?
Being a global citizen is about having a general awareness of the issues of the world, and not dismissing them just because they may not taking place where we live. It’s about not being passive tourists but educated travellers.
My main objective on this journey is to create a short documentary about culture and community. Through my film, I hope to showcase hope and resilience, and inspire people to learn more about the issues surrounding developing or underdeveloped communities. You will see that the abundance we live in at home, unfortunately is not the norm in other parts of the world.
Personally, I consider myself a lucky girl to live in a place where I have certain basic human rights, access to education, clean water, food and a roof over my head. I wish it was like that for everyone.
Which places will you be exploring and why have you chosen these countries or cities in particular?
In South Africa we’ll be exploring Malawi and Kenya then on to South East Asia including Thailand and Indonesia. I chose these places because they are so different than environments we are used to. I think it’s important to travel to places where you are not as comfortable as you would be at home or in more Westernized places. I want to step out of my comfort zone so that I can grow, learn, and become more educated about other communities outside of my own. I think only then, when we have knowledge, can we help create change in this world.
With your passion for social justice, activism and in particular, women’s empowerment how do you think we can make the world a better place?
The empowerment of women is one of the best things we can do. Women in particular are responsible for nurturing young people and molding their future. If we can nurture and empower women, they will nurture and empower their children, youth and entire communities.
I know something better is possible.
Is there a misconception about creating social change?
Youth are very quickly dismissed as not being adequate agents of change – but we can be. Speak as a teenager, we’re stereotyped as a generation that doesn’t care but if we are told that we can, then we will start participating more. Again, change comes from empowerment.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I want to be a pediatrician. I also love science and biology and I want to continue in documentary or filmmaking.
What is your philosophy on global change?
No change is too small.
Do you have any advice for people who want to create a change and don’t know how? Where do they start?
Start small. I started small myself. It’s about educating yourself first, learning about the issues, and then getting involved in local causes. It can be something simple as volunteering at a soup kitchen or turning off the lights.
In the Community is a monthly series that features inspiring community members from Travel Massive meet-ups around the world.
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