As citizens of the world, we must remain informed of what is happening around us and in other places in the world. The genocide in Gaza can be labelled as no less than ethnic cleansing. The forceful occupation of the native land of Palestinians, has forced them to flee for their safety to refugee camps and hospitals treating those who have been hurt by the bombing on buildings, and the burials of those massacred in the line of fire. Not even safe places are safe for Palestinians, with many people setting up links where people can donate to evacuate people with medical needs and families out of Gaza. With all they have to deal with on a daily basis, lack of food, clean water, period products, medication, pain killers, the leaders of the world turning a blind eye; its easy for them to give up.
In response to this, solidarity has become a common way of showing understanding and support for Gaza, and the entirety of Palestine. Together with Lara, I organised a kite flight in solidarity with Gaza. This happened worldwide on Sunday the 10th of March. We discussed different places to do this and I recommended to do it on Galle Face Green, famed for its kites gracing the sky in the late evenings. Having the kite flight in the evening/late afternoon would work in our favour as the heat of the day would be gone but we would still have enough light and get to witness the sunset. So 5pm was the perfect time.
After Lara created the poster, we posted it on our social media accounts and spread awareness about the event, publishing it in our school’s daily bulletin which is seen every morning by students in class. Other people reposted our posts which means a lot as it shows other people are not afraid to let their voices be heard.
On the day itself, me and my family headed over to Galle Face Green with the objective of arriving early to ensure that we could organise any people who had already showed up. The weather was perfect with clear skies and the cool breeze of the evening wind pushing through the strip. I did a small amount of kite flying myself before I turned to my position as the unofficial photographer for the event. I went around getting candid shots from everyone, capturing their additions to the already colourful sky.
As the sun set we all gathered for a group picture. In total there were over 30 of us flying our kites beyond the horizons and boundaries life presents us with. Reflecting on this experience I loved seeing how the efforts put in by everyone in terms of organising, planning, engaging with one another, and showing up all culminated in a beautiful moment which words can’t properly describe. I was able to exercise my collaboration skills within this small project. Within the CAS projects they don’t all immediately link to a global engagement and ethics of choices and actions but for this that was the first thing that came to mind. The power shown through standing together and ensuring that people around the world are heard and cared for is the most important to me, and I thank all those who share the sentiment.
Featured Image Credit: Eloise Golding