Heroes Pt. 1: Song Kosal

Everyone's got them. I have Batman. But I digress. During my time here I have met some brilliant people, people who live to create peace, who have made great impressions on me.
I truly believe that there are many people on Earth whose mission it is to teach us all how we can become like them. You can pick them immediately, by their humility, humanity and diligence.

I want to share stories of some of my heroes from Cambodia (and elsewhere) who deserve recognition, enjoy and perhaps you'll meet them someday...

Song Kosal

Song Kosal is a charming young woman who to me embodies the word 'humility'. She has a host of roles within Cambodia and the international stage, yet rarely breathes a word about them. Titles mean nothing, but as a Youth Ambassador for the Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Bombs, Kosal is well known amongst human rights groups for her tireless work to ensure a mine-free world for all. 

For twenty years now she has spoken with a determined voice, weaving a beautiful tapestry of peace around the world. 

At the age of six, Kosal lost her right leg to a landmine while working in a rice field. I am astounded thinking about how miraculous it was that she survived, there are not enough cliches to express what she would offer the world from then on. She spoke to UN officials in Geneva in 1995 at age twelve, courageously asking them to let children run and play in the fields without fear. She was the first person to sign the People's Treaty in Ottawa. She began the NGO Youth for Peace to provide an avenue for young people to join the struggle. 

There are far too many achievements to mention. Put simply, Song Kosal has been instrumental in the campaign and has helped change the world. 

She has taught me the meaning of effort. There have been countless setbacks in the campaign over the years, yet her perseverance and conviction would not allow defeat. It's because she knows that she is doing the right thing.

The most touching thing I have learned from Kosal is the fact that age does not matter. There are times here that I feel I am too young to help, that I don't know enough to make a difference. Meeting Kosal has helped change that feeling.

No one is too young. If a twelve year old girl can stand up in front of thousands of UN officials and tell them to ban landmines, we should all stand and spread the message of love.