Evan Worldwide - Global Youth Perspectives

ETHIOPIA- Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Landlocked in the horn of Africa, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is home to many historical and archeological artifacts. The first identified hominid skeleton, Lucy, was found in Ethiopia and can be seen in the historical museum in the capital city Addis Ababa.  It is the only African country to have never been under colonial control, and boasts the origins of a cup of coffee. 

I spoke with my friend Mariamawit who I met through a human rights committee of Model United Nations.  She was very informative about the current events and conflicts happening in Ethiopia and shared that the country still faces challenges against social issues and human rights and doesn’t have complete freedom of speech. 

We spoke about her favorite dishes and the different types of bread and butter of Ethiopia, however she shared that you don’t butter your bread.  She explained that food is always supposed to be eaten together and she gave her perspective on different types of youth and how younger generations and their beliefs can be influenced by their families. 

PAKISTAN - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

With its capital city Islamabad known as the #2 most beautiful capital in the world, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan borders India, China, Iran and Afghanistan in south Asia.  Pakistan has the highest paved international road connecting Pakistan to western china and reaches a height of 15,300 ft.  Home to influential people such as the youngest Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and world renown author Saadat Hasan Manto, Pakistan has the 5th largest population of more than 225 million people. 

I spoke with my friend Hamdan about his home country of Pakistan.  He is currently living in Qatar, however he is very knowledgeable and shared with me some of the social climate related to politics, sexism and how the Pakistani people are very patriotic and love their Country. 

We spoke about the different locations and cultures of Pakistan, and the delicious food.  Although people think it is similar to Indian food he expressed that they have their own unique dishes and cuisine.  We even ended our conversation with some fun World Cup talk which will be held in Qatar in 2022.  Hamdan shared that the youth are starting to make a difference through social media and the best way to create change is to get involved. 

THAILAND - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Known as Siam until 1939, The Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional Monarchy and is the worlds largest exporter of Rice.  Thailand has approximately 1,430 islands, and used to be referred to as “Venice of the East” because of all the waterways in Bangkok which are now filled in as streets. 

I spoke with my friend Candy who shared that she feels the conflict comes from the differences between the youth and the older generation.  She explained that in Thailand gender equality is one of the main issues she would like to see change, as it has been deeply rooted in history but she is hopeful that the younger generation will continue looking to the future with new ideas and values.  We spoke about the delicious dishes in Thailand, and she shared her personal favorite dishes all include rice, either fried rice or rice and eggs.   Candy explained that she feels people think of Thailand as less modernized but they would be very surprised to see how modern the capital city, Bangkok, really is. 

IRELAND - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

White sand beaches, a rich dance culture and the most wins in the world famous singing competition, Eurovision, the Republic of Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle for its beautiful green scenery. Just recently, Ireland’s population reached 5 million people for the first time since the tragic potato famine of 1845 to 1852.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with my friend Sarah who is a young leader in her community. Sarah informed me of the cultural pride Irish people have highlighting the large heritage center outside of the capital city, Dublin and multiple castles all over the country representing Irish culture. She also explained that in addition to English, they have their own Irish language and shared with me her favorite dish, a full Irish breakfast. Sarah gave me her perspective that although we are raised in different societies with different values, Sarah finds more similarities than differences between the youth all over the world.

GHANA - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

The Republic of Ghana has been called the Gold Coast and is one of Africa's most peaceful nations with diverse ethnic groups and boasts the largest man made reservoir in the world, Lake Volta.  

I spoke with my friend Priscilla who is the youngest person I have interviewed so far, however at the age of 14 her wisdom and perspective is so mature.  She was born and raised in Ghana then moved to Qatar with her family when she was 6. Her global environment gives her an educated and open perspective about the world.   She was very honest about her frustration of the stereotypes she experiences regarding African culture and shared a little bit about the friendly rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria's debate about who has the best food.  She shared some of the dark history of the Slave trade and talked about the slave castles that are still standing along the western coast of Ghana.   She has amazing insight into how the youth can make a difference and she talks about how it all starts at home. 

HONDURAS - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

With a name that  translates to “great depths” in Spanish, The Republic of Honduras is part of Central America and has the second largest coral reefs in the world. Honduras gained its independence in 1821, 200 years later, they just elected their first female president.  

I spoke with my friend Chris.  He is so well spoken and knowledgeable about current events and has such an open perspective to understand both sides of different conflicts.  Chris explained how he is encouraged and felt there is definitely progress within Honduras for better human rights and positive change.   He had my mouth watering describing the endless possibilities of ingredients when creating a baleada, a typical Honduran dish, and explains how Honduran food can comfort and help you feel complete and satisfied after a long day.   He shared his views on the challenges the youth encounters to create change. He feels there needs to be a shift in perspective of adult leaders to be more open to allow the youth to integrate and create ideas for positive changes.  

BRAZIL - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Occupying half of South America’s landmass, The Federative Republic of Brazil, is the 5th largest country in the world. Brazil boasts 4600 miles of coastline and has more animal and plant species than any other country in the world.  Brazil gained its independence from Portugal after 322 years of Portuguese rule in 1822 and is the only country in South America to speak Portuguese. 

I spoke with my friend Eduardo who lives in one of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo. I loved hearing him talk about how Brazil embraced the Black Lives Matter movement that started in the US to form their own protests in an effort for social activism.  Eduardo and I spoke about Brazilian food but he shared that his family cooks all kinds of food at home and eats dishes from all over the world.  Eduardo emphasized how food represents getting together and having fun being with each other.  He also spoke about how technology allows young people to learn and share ideas  to make a difference in the world. 

SOUTH KOREA - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Known for Kimchi, global brands such as Samsung, SK Holdings, Hyundai, LG and Kia, South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world - where they are even known to have blazing fast internet.  South Korea's advancement in technology comes as no surprise as they focus on education and teaching is one of the most prestigious and well paying jobs in the country.

Today I want to introduce my friend TK who comes from the beautiful capital city of Seoul.  In today’s interview, TK and I discussed Korean education, traditional values and how gender equality has been an important initiative for the Korean government and has made some great improvements over the years.  From the culinary side, it was so touching to hear how much his grandmother's food brings him special memories and how he feels food preferences have shifted with new generations, with fried chicken being the meal of choice at Korean baseball games.  We wrap up our conversation hearing his take on the widely popular Netflix TV show Squid Game. 

CANADA - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories, the Dominion of Canada is home to almost 38 million people. Canada has more than 3 million lakes, making up more than half the lakes in the entire world.  Approximately 1.4 million Canadians refer to themselves as indigenous or aboriginal people.  

I spoke with my friend Madilyn about what it was like growing up in Canada, and how different each province is from the other.  Madilyn spoke about some interesting and unique food preferences in Canada and she had my mouth watering when she mentioned one of my favorite Canadian dishes: Poutine. We discussed political and cultural conflicts between Canadians and how important it is to embrace the French-Canadian phrase “La Joie de Vivre” which can be translated to: the Joy of Living.  I was encouraged to hear that she feels that the young people of Canada are very active in helping make changes for a better world. 

INDONESIA - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Located off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia and formerly known as the Dutch East Indies, the Republic of Indonesia is made up of approximately 17,500 islands.  Indonesia boasts the second largest coastlines in the world.  It is home to the largest volcanic lakes on earth and is considered the hottest spot on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Culturally, Indonesia is extremely diverse as it is home to over 1300 recognized ethic groups with over 700 different languages and dialects.

Hailing from Jakarta located on the island of Java, my friend Antonio shares with us how culturally significant rice is in his country and his love for instant noodles.  During our interview, Antonio had an uber driver call him about a food delivery and I just could not help but think of how similar young people my age are despite being on different sides of the world.  Antonio shared with us some of the conflicts in Indonesia along with the struggle for freedom of the neighboring island of West Papua. Antonio explained some ongoing social issues relating to race and religion within Indonesia, and gave amazing insight into his own views on religion and human rights.