SOAS Cleaners Deported

Why isn't this front page news?

SOAS Cleaners Deported

It's a terrible day when one of the most "liberal" British universities refuses to defend the rights of immigrants.

Espoir de Demain (Tomorrow's Hope)

The fundraiser at the weekend to get Beninese orphans to school was well worth the effort and exhaustion. To date we have raised £2000 which will pay for the school fees of at least 66 children.

It was so amazing to have so many people come together for some kids on the other side of the world. It made me feel really optimistic about what's possible. It's not just about giving them an education. Going to school offers real protection from trafficking, domestic service, slavery, abuse and isolation.

What an excellent idea... an all women government

I thought this article from the the Guardian about an all women government showed the first real initiative to come out of the media for some time.

BNP adds to exam misery

How is it possible that the BNP have won seats in the cradle of democracy?

Not only do I have to sit two more exams this week but I have to look at the horrible, smug face of Nick Griffin peering out of various television screens. The idiots who pelted eggs at him during a press conference outside of Westminster have only added fuel to his fire. Don't they realise that there's no such thing as bad publicity?

This is an indicator that those who are passionate about a politics of justice and equality need to stand up and act NOW more than ever. So many people are disillusioned at this juncture by expenses, lack of leadership etc. But that doesn't mean we should hide in the shroud of apathy, it means we should act and take responsibility for the changes we want to effect.

I just thought I'd leave you with this article about women and 'having it all'. Things drastically need to change and having balanced leadership in politics would be a good start.

Exam Stress and European Elections

Well, my first exam is on Monday so my stress levels are sky high. However, political developments have kept me busy enough to avoid a complete meltdown. The European election are the first elections I have been really involved in and I loved every minute of it! I was given very menial tasks: collecting polling numbers, leafleting, ticking numbers off lists etc. However, it gives you that sense that you're contributing to something larger. Maybe one day, I'll be the person I'm trying to get people to vote for!

The other thing keeping me busy (aside from revision) is fundraising: I did an internship in a small West African country, Benin, and I'm currently trying to raise funds for an NGO called Espoir de Demain (Tomorrow's Hope) to try and get 200 orphans to school. I've read so many websites about how to deal with exam stress, but it's focussing on the bigger issues like this that helps me keep things in perspective. (I also try and avoid other stressed out people, eat lots of M&S raspberry royales -yum!, and ring my boyfriend for moral support).

I have been rather stunned by the lack of women in the new cabinet, but unfortunately the books beckon, so that rant will have to wait for another day.