Q&A with Social Activist Tamara Dawit

2 September 2011 No Comments

Tamara Dawit

By Samuel Getachew

Former Executive Director of the 411 Initiative For Change, Tamara Dawit, has had a long journey of social activism in her young adult life. The part Ukrainian, part Ethiopian native has used her talents while in Canada to produce a touring show that used music and art to teach young adults about issues such as bullying, body image and many leading issues. Now based in South Sudan, the former proud Torontonian tells Sway about youth empowerment as well as her experience in Africa’s newest nation.

SG: You have had a long journey so far of bringing change in Toronto . You once remarked that “as a young woman, a person of colour, as an African Canadian, I saw a lot of ignorance about people from other countries, about immigrants and refugees in Ottawa. Now wherever there is ignorance, I challenge it, I want to act to eradicate it,” – That must have been a grand challenge. Please share with us your experience.

Dawit: All of my work whether with the 411 Initiative For Change (411), as a consultant or even my work back in high school (which that quote was in relation to) has sprung from an interest to route out ignorance. As the lack of correct information is often one of the root causes for many of the issues I have worked on, be it programs on early marriage, sexual health or racism. 411 specifically works to provide accurate information on social issues to young Canadians through formats which are tangible to them like pop culture, TV content and music. For example, 411’s work on HIV/AIDS in Canada works to combat stigma and correct inaccurate information related to how HIV is transmitted here in Canada through the use of new media and music content.

The 411 Initiative for Change has empowered many young people in areas of community engagement. Share with us the history of the organization as well as some of its successes.

I am one of the co-founders of 411 along with Anita Wong and Patrick McCormack. The organization grew out of a club I had formed in high school in Ottawa in the late 1990’s. The organization has been successful in providing programming to over 500,000 young Canadians in schools nationwide through the melding of arts-based programming with information on topics such as violence prevention, multiculturalism, girls rights, among others.

I think the program has been successful, as we have used a youth to youth presentation method, worked in partnership with government agencies and other organizations and we have used an open format where young people are able to freely share their own ideas and thoughts on the subjects we are discussing. Additionally, 411 has tailored our programming formats and themes to the interests of both students and educators. An example is our current gender specific programming with Kids Help Phone, which focuses on self esteem and healthy relationships (dating and bullying) – topics requested by teachers and young people. That program will be offered in 2012 and more information is online at www.whatsthe411.ca

You have now embarked on a journey in South Sudan. What surprised you most about the newest African country?

Presently, I am based in the world’s newest nation of South Sudan working on communications projects with Plan International (Plan South Sudan). I’m not sure that anything surprised me as I have been to South Sudan in the past. However, it has been wonderful to interview returnee’s (from refugee camps in Uganda) and even children who all share the same pride and excitement over their country’s recent independence. There is an enormous feeling of hope for the future despite all the challenges related to nation building.

Share with us your experience so far?

Much of my work presently has been focused on documenting the stories of returnees as they resettle and rebuild their lives in their former communities. As well as discussing with children and community members the challenges they are facing due to rising food prices, food shortages and failing crops (due to delayed rain fall). A highlight thus far was to visit a program run by the World Food Program and Plan South Sudan, which provides a hot lunch at school for the students (even while the school is closed for vacation). This program enhanced the student’s ability to focus in class as well as to increase the number of students attending school.

What can Canadians and Canada do to ensure South Sudan becomes a successful nation?

Well it would be great to have a proper embassy set up here in Juba (the capital). Right now we have a container with a consulate that is run by a local business man. This is embarrassing for Canada as many other nations have full embassies up and running and thus are better equipped. Canada was involved in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the civil war here, and if Canada’s intends to continue its engagement here we will need a more serious presence in the country.

We also have a large South Sudanese community in Canada, so it is important for Canadians to learn more about their peers both in Canada and how they can be supported in building their new country. As we are part of a global community, it is important for Canadians to understand issues affecting their peers overseas such as access to clean water, peace building, poverty and gender equity, etc. Canadians who are interested in supporting programs here in South Sudan or just learning more can do so by visiting www.plancanada.ca

For many Canadians looking for an adventurous international development journey, what would be your advice?

I think the key to being successful in any career is to have a good understanding about the business and industry you are working within – not just the functions of your job. This is the same whether you are working for a humanitarian organization, as a painter or an accountant. So if you want to work in international development make sure that you are networking, volunteering and learning as much as you can about that industry.

Any parting words?

Those interested can follow my blog on my website www.gobez.ca