Manitoba Council on International Cooperation

Global Citizens in Manitoba

Like a chain of paper dolls, we are all connected. We live in one world and our individual actions affect the whole.

When you think about all the people in the world, we really share the same basic needs. We all want to be well fed, to have a comfortable place to call home, to have access to health care when we need it, to live without fear, and to have what is best for our children—to be educated, healthy and happy. We also want an environment that is healthy and will sustain future generations.

Of course at another level people are more diverse, and this is good. We can learn from each other’s experiences, and we can find better ways of doing things.

If we are all connected then it is our responsibility to become active global citizens, working together for a better world for all.

As global citizens, we realize that we are connected to people throughout the world. We understand that our choices here in Manitoba will impact people elsewhere. We try to live our lives everyday choosing acts that will have more positive rather than negative impacts on our community and the world.

This collection is an attempt to showcase a selection of Manitobans who are demonstrating these values and doing what they can to build a better world. There are many more Manitobans with stories like these. Perhaps you are one, and if not, you could be—there is always room for more.

  • Sané Dube

    Sané Dube (24), originally from Zimbabwe, has a passion for HIV/AIDS issues. Currently an employee of Nine Circles Community Health Centre, she works on getting services to those suffering from HIV/AIDS in Manitoba. Eventually, she plans to return to Southern Africa, using the knowledge she’s gained here to help those in her home country. “It’s amazing how similar issues come up around HIV/AIDS, no matter where you are in the world,” says Sané. “This really is a global issue.”

    Click HERE to watch a video profile of Sané.

  • Dale Camuyong

    Dale Camuyong (17) believes music has the ability to reach youth and get them engaged in global issues on a deeper level. As participant in MCIC’s High School Music Video project, Dale worked with seven other youth from across Manitoba to create an original music video on issues of fair trade and child labour. “Today we have more access to information about these things than ever before”, he says. “There’s no excuse not to be informed.” Dale also promotes social justice in his High School and mentors younger students on issues like peer pressure and drug use.

    Click HERE to watch a video profile of Dale.

  • Todd Phillips

    Todd Phillips (28) recently got the news that his life-long dream will be fulfilled. An Engineering graduate and instructor at the University of Manitoba, Todd has been accepted to go on a mission with Doctor Without Borders. “For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to work for this organization,” he says. “I really believe in the work that they do and the way they deliver assistance overseas.” Todd will be working in the Engineering Division, setting up medical stations for the staff. He is also one of the founders of the Manitoba Chapter of Engineers Without Borders at the University of Manitoba.

    Click HERE to watch a video profile of Todd.

  • Kathy Sexsmith

    Kathy Sexsmith (25) of Winnipeg, Manitoba has found her life’s passion in fair trade. As an Economics student at the University of Manitoba, she was inspired by a professor who spoke of unjust trade relationships and the exploitation of workers. “I couldn’t leave this question of fair trade behind,” says Kathy. “I knew changes needed to be made.” After completing a Masters Degree at Oxford University, she now plans to research fair trade at the PhD level in her studies at Cornell University. Kathy has worked with MCIC to inform government of the benefits of fair trade and encourage them to carry fair trade wines through the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission.

    Click HERE to watch a video profile of Kathy.

  • Leslie McNabb

    Leslie McNabb (28) believes in the power of youth and the importance of exposing them to other cultures and ways of life. In her work as a Project Supervisor for Canada World Youth, Leslie has seen first-hand the change that comes over young people when their eyes are opened to the world. “I honestly believe that if we could all spend some time in someone else’s shoes, we would see that we all have the same fundamental values,” she says. Leslie currently works in community development, providing services to inner-city residents of Winnipeg.

    Click HERE to watch a video profile of Leslie.