What motivated teenagers Matthew and Edith to help refugees in Calais?

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Motivations Behind Matthew and Edith's Aid for Calais Refugees

Teenagers Matthew and Edith were driven to assist refugees in Calais through a confluence of personal experiences and external influences. Matthew's involvement with his school's Human Rights Team, which specifically addressed the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers, provided a foundational understanding. A significant catalyst for him was a presentation by Jasmin O’Hara, an activist who shared her personal journey of engagement with the Calais "Jungle" camp. This exposure, coupled with his own eye-opening visit to a slum district during an exchange trip to India, made him acutely aware that the refugee crisis was not a distant problem but one situated "on our doorstep" in Paris.

Edith's motivation stemmed from a poignant argument made by a close friend, who challenged the perceived hypocrisy of travelling great distances to offer assistance while overlooking needs closer to home. This perspective resonated deeply with her, prompting her to seek opportunities to act locally. Witnessing the dire conditions within the Calais camp during a summer visit solidified her resolve, making her feel it was imperative to provide her school community with a tangible avenue to contribute. This desire to bridge the gap between awareness and action was a core driver for both teenagers.

Furthermore, Matthew's prior success in establishing a mobile eye clinic during his time in India served as a powerful testament to the feasibility of initiating impactful projects. This practical experience instilled in him the confidence that even seemingly large-scale problems could be addressed through dedicated effort and well-organized initiatives. This confidence was crucial as they moved forward with their plans to support the Calais refugees, demonstrating that personal initiative could translate into concrete positive change.

A critical piece of information that directly prompted their fundraising efforts came from the association L’Auberge des Migrants. This organisation informed Matthew and Edith that the Calais Jungle was experiencing significant shortages of essential food supplies. This practical intelligence provided a clear and immediate focus for their actions, leading them to organise a food drive specifically aimed at collecting rice and lentils to address this urgent need within the camp.

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What motivated teenagers Matthew and Edith to help refugees in Calais?

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