Small Aims are Crimes: The Big Hope, June 2008

Around 600 young adults from some 55 different countries across the globe attended The Big Hope in Liverpool in June.  10 young British Catholics were there - including Jack Tunnecliffe from Ilkeston, Eunice Abad from Northampton, Luke Smith from Ilkley and Helen Grant. 

So what was it like?

"It was like a mini world," says Eunice Abad from Northampton , "with people from all walks of life. The beauty of it was that everyone celebrated the diversity, and united in sharing a common vision for a more humane global society."

Jam-packed agenda

The event combined speeches by world leaders from various sectors of society with workshops and chances to mingle with inspiring people from different cultural, geographical and religious backgrounds.

Helen Grant said, "Many of the speakers gave me a lot to think about during my time at the conference, in particular Harriet Lamb and Baroness Caroline Cox... The forums provided an opportunity to have a more intimate discussion. They allowed people to probe more deeply into an issue and come at it from several different angles.

"However for me some of the best moments came for me when myself and the wide family of friends I had made were together. Whether it was listening to a speech, talking about our own views or trekking around Liverpool together the atmosphere was so full of fun it was a pleasure to be around."

Soundbites

Jack said, "The event was punctuated with great soundbites, and two stick out, from Dr Abdul Kalam, former President of India : "We're obsessed with 'I' and 'me'" and "small aims are crimes." At first I thought the latter statement was perhaps conflicting with the purpose of livesimply, but then I realised that livesimply is about making small changes in order to make a big difference.

Among the big names were former Indian President Dr Abdul Kalam and Archbishops John Sentamu, Pius Ncube, and Patrick Kelly, who all proved inspiring speakers.

Just as inspiring were many of the delegates, who while less famous, work just as tirelessly and effectively for a fairer and more sustainable world.   They included a Sister from Kenya who works with homeless girls, an Anglican pastor, health worker, counsellor and community mediator from Nigeria, and a Tibetan refugee living in India, who works as a teacher and money for her poor students by recycling waste into saleable items (see picture below right).

An enriching experience

Eunice says, "This was such an enriching experience that has opened our eyes and widened our horizon.  I feel that I learnt as much from interacting with people from around the world as from the lectures and discussions.

"Not only was my mind stirred but it struck my heart as well. It was as if my whole being was emerged in this experience.

"There are several statements that moved me the most, which I would like to share:  "I can't do everything, but I can do something. Therefore I must do what I can." And "One act can change a life. One life can change the world."

Luke Smith of Myddelton Grange has a similar response.  He says, "Before I went to the Big Hope I did think that I had a good grasp of how people can change things across the world.  In my work with young people I tell them that they are able to change the world and that they are powerful beyond measure. However, in hearing the speakers at Big Hope, in meeting the people I met, I now really feel that we all are able to change the world to bring about the heavenly on this our Mother Earth, and this is to me a real privilege and an honour and has totally changed my life."

Helen Grant says, "The week ended in triumph at the closing ceremony at the Anglican cathedral in a shower of petals (on which hope was written) and with the promise to meet up again in 10 years to see how far we have come."

> Read more on The Big Hope website