You can’t build a peaceful world without understanding other cultures’ uniqueness

You can’t build a peaceful world without understanding other cultures’ uniqueness

by Mariana Silva, 24

The past year has been full of sad news for the world. It looks like everyday there is a massive attack somewhere, where innocent people are being killed, either by their religion, sexual orientation or just because. And the fact that Humans are the one to blame, it is what scares me the most. I don’t want to continue living in a world where I do not feel secure.

We all dream of a peaceful world, where we can be whoever we want to be, taking the most out of the variations and contrasts that define a world of +7 billion inhabitants.

But the question that remains is: how can we become humans that embrace diversity?

As a member of AIESEC, we do believe that Peace can be achieved through cross-cultural experiences, where we provide young people with the opportunity to live and to interact with other cultures, by stepping out of their comfort zone for 6 weeks.

I found my stand for the world

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Finally, I found my stand for the world. But what does it mean? It can have several meanings but, for me, it is the result of having found what truly excites me and, at the same time, supports me to take actions for a better world.

Since I had the change to visit Egypt my interest for Islam and Arabic Culture has grown. Or better, it was born as it used to be something I had no clue about before. It amazes me to connect with people with different beliefs from the society I’ve been living in; it amazes me how we can be so different but so similar. And it is unfair that the world doesn’t try to understand and to appreciate this unique culture as well!!

Could you imagine to have a powerful conversation about Religion with a 15 year old girl? Shukran lady!

In the Western world, the media goes around terrorists attacks, creating in its people the mindset that terrorists are Muslims and that all Muslims are terrorists. And let me tell you something (not) new: you’ve been completely wrong.

For this reason, I decided to come to Amman, in Jordan, to be part of the “Experience Ramadan” project. The main purpose of the project is to work with several initiatives as Jordan Volunteers, a group of volunteers who provide Iftar meals — the meal when you break the fast at 19h45 — for those in need. Also, we are working with other projects which aim to distribute water when the sun rises, so that people don’t feel in a rush, avoiding car accidents, as an example.

During the project my personal mission — besides the actions we are taking in the field- is to create awareness on social media about Islam traditions and, most of all, about how Arabs and Muslim people are individuals that care about the others as I have never experienced before. Jordanian people are the kindest and there is an incredible level of trust between each other. They don’t even lock their houses so that their friends always feel welcome to enter whenever they want.