Ignite group fires up students’ social justice conscience

University of Alberta group responds to local and global needs

- WCR photo by Alicia Ambrosio This group of U of A students are ignited by the desire to change the world.

By ALICIA AMBROSIO
Special to the WCR
Edmonton

University can make students feel like they live in a bubble. One group of students at the University of Alberta try to pull students out of that bubble and make them aware of social situations that need to be changed, both abroad and in Edmonton.

Kara Elias, the U of A student who started the social justice group Ignite, said after taking a social justice course four years ago, “I was inspired to make a difference in any way possible.” At that point in her life, making a difference meant raising awareness and fundraising for social justice causes.

Ignite was launched with four members. Four students, like Elias, wanting to make a change in the world in some way. Four years later, with a membership of about 60 students, Elias has handed over the reigns to Joanna Chan, a political science major at the same university.

Focus on Africa

“This year our focus is on Africa,” Chan told the WCR. Ignite has dedicated this year to raising awareness about social justice issues in Africa. As part of that effort, Ignite has invited a local couple to speak at two Ignite gatherings about their experiences working with non-governmental organizations in Africa and around the world.

Ignite has also done fundraising for The Child is Innocent, an international, not-for-profit foundation that aims to provide educational opportunities for children living in Northern Uganda who are known as the “night commuters”.

As part of their focus on Africa, Ignite executive have invited Paul Rudatsikira, one of the last people from Rwanda to receive asylum from the United States in 1994, to speak at the group’s concert.

Among other things, Rudatsikira travels the U.S. speaking to raise awareness about African social justice issues.

On the local level Ignite volunteers when needed with The Mustard Seed and Development and Peace. Ignite also jumps into action whenever called upon by other community organizations, holding blood drives, toy drives, food drives, or whatever “drive” might be necessary.

Ignite’s annual concert is set to take place March 7th at the Dinwoodie Lounge on the U of A campus Student Union Building. Highlights include musical and dance performances from various ethnic communities in Edmonton, as well as a foods from different countries.

Ignite meets every second Sunday at 7:30 pm at St. Joseph’s College. “Right before the last-chance mass!” Elias and Chan joked.

“Ignite is open to anyone who wants to make a difference and develop a global mindset,” said Elias. \

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