Congratulations to everyone on this important day. Although I am writing from Toronto Canada, I am with you here today in spirit.

I am so impressed with the pictures and stories that you have written about important issues in your community. Each one of you has made a very special contribution. I encourage you to think about working together on a project that will address one of your issues and help improve your community.

Also, showing your work on the Global Youth Voices website will give other youth and adults from around the world an opportunity to learn about your community. I know that youth here in Toronto are very interested in learning more about Tuba and Segev Shalom.

When I visited Segev Shalom in April, one of you asked me: “this is the first time that adults have asked my opinion ... why did you come from Canada to do this?”

This is a very important question. Only by listening can adults get to know what you see as the key issues for your community - the positive things and your concerns - and the ways to work together on addressing them.

Several adults made important contributions to the project as well. I want to thank Muhammad Alhaib (Director of Bedouin Education) and your Headmasters Mohammad El-Hamamdeh (Segev Shalom) and Hamda Elhaib (Tuba) for their encouragement and support of this project. Also, the excellent work of Sami Hamdan and Tariq El-Hamamdeh in running the group discussions deserves special credit. Russell Bader did a truly outstanding job in leading and managing the project from start to finish.

A final message for the students.

You are the future leaders in your community. I hope that this day at Tel Aviv University will inspire each of you to seek further education at universities and colleges. Set your goals high. Education is the stepping-stone to a bright future for you.

Till we meet again.

Harvey Skinner PhD
Professor and Chair
University of Toronto, and
Research Director of CISEPO