As the war in the Middle East and Sudan rages on, and anti-abortion narratives and policies continue, activists from around the world are putting their lives on the line to speak out against oppression and injustice. Many are being threatened, jailed and even killed. This year’s Write for Rights campaign features people whose human rights have been violated. Joel Paredes, from Argentina, was blinded by rubber bullets while peacefully protesting in his hometown of Humahuaca; Manahel al-Otaibi, from Saudi Arabia, was jailed after freely expressing herself on social media; while the Wet’suwet’en land defenders have been criminalized for protecting their ancestral land in Canada.

By writing letters, signing petitions and sharing stories, you can support activists whose lives are in danger.

Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

“People have been jailed, shot, tortured, forcibly disappeared and murdered, simply for speaking out to defend human rights, for protesting or voicing their anxieties about the state of the world. This is intolerable. Amid persistent conflicts, shrinking civic space and an intensifying climate emergency, we need to hear their voices more than ever,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

“By writing letters, signing petitions and sharing stories, you can support activists whose lives are in danger and demand that governments stop clamping down on rights and freedoms. You can demand justice and hold governments to account. Those responsible for human rights violations thrive in the midst of silence and indifference. They shrink when we come together, speak loud, organise, and unite across the divisions they create. So join us. Take a stand for human rights.”

Defending human rights

This year, Amnesty International’s Write for Rights Campaign will be supporting a number of individuals and groups who are defending human rights. Individually and collectively, they stand for the world we want, not the world we live in. They include:

• Neth Nahara, from Angola, jailed for criticizing the president on TikTok.
• Wetʼsuwetʼen Land Defenders, from Canada, who are fighting to protect their ancestral lands.
• Joel Paredes, from Argentina, blinded by rubber bullets at a peaceful protest.
• Kyung Seok Park, from South Korea, fighting for the rights of people with disabilities.
• Dang Dinh Bach, from Viet Nam, imprisoned for defending the environment.
• Maryia Kalesnikava, from Belarus, abducted and jailed for demanding change.
• Manahel al-Otaibi, from Saudi Arabia, imprisoned for supporting women’s rights.
• Oqba Hashad, from Egypt, detained and tortured for his brother’s activism.
• Şebnem Korur Fincancı, from Türkiye, convicted for defending human rights.

Şebnem Korur Fincancı is currently waiting to hear the outcome of her appeal against her unjust conviction, but she still maintains hope in humanity. A forensic medical expert, she has decades of experience documenting torture in Türkiye and around the world. Şebnem was in Germany for a meeting about prisons and health, when a reporter asked her about the Turkish Armed Forces’ use of chemical weapons. She was shown some video footage and asked what she thought of it. Later, during a short live TV broadcast where she was invited to comment on the images, she said the video suggested the use of chemical gas and she called for an independent investigation.

“The political authority in Türkiye said that I had committed a serious crime, that I had slandered the Turkish Armed Forces and that they would deal with me accordingly,” said Şebnem. “In 2023, they convicted me of [terrorist] propaganda and sentenced me to two years, eight months and 15 days. Now the case is before the Court of Cassation, which will likely uphold my conviction. My only fear is the fear of submission. As long as I don’t bow, I maintain my hope.”

Giving people hope

Over the past few years, Amnesty supporters have made a real difference to people’s lives, providing hope during the darkest of times.

From Brazil to Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan to Zimbabwe, activists have been freed and justice has been served – as in the case of Rita Karasartova a human rights defender and expert in civic governance from Kyrgyzstan.

For over a decade Rita dedicated her life to providing independent legal advice to people whose rights were being violated by a corrupt and unreliable legal system. Alongside 26 others, Rita was arrested in October 2022 for opposing a new border agreement giving control of a freshwater reservoir to Uzbekistan and charged with attempting to “violently overthrow the government”. Rita was part of Amnesty’s Write for Rights campaign last year, and following calls from people around the world, Rita and at least 21 other defendants were acquitted on 14 June 2024.

Your timely actions – these petitions, signatures and the huge number of letters that went to the court and the prosecutor’s office were all very powerful,” said Rita. “It was empowering to us all. The acquittal was totally unexpected. We had been playing with all sorts of scenarios and different outcomes in our heads, but we didn’t think we would all be acquitted! Thank you all.”

Join this year’s campaign and become part of a community working to make the world a more just and compassionate place. Join Write for Rights today.

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Anticipated Reopening in December 2024

Shark Beach has been closed since March 2022, following damage to its seawall caused by a series of storms. Initially expected to reopen by late 2022, the project faced setbacks due to unforeseen complications. Among these were Sydney’s record-breaking rains, the discovery and removal of 3,600 tonnes of asbestos, and structural defects in concrete staircases and promenade slabs.

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has worked diligently with contractors to address these challenges. With integrity at the forefront, contractors are covering the costs of remedial work to ensure the site’s safety and durability. While delays tested the patience of locals, the collective effort has underscored the value of investing in resilient public infrastructure.

Reimagined Spaces for Community Connection

When the gates to Nielsen Park reopen, visitors can look forward to rediscovering its serene picnic lawns shaded by ancient fig trees and its iconic Hermitage Foreshore Track. This 3.6-kilometer return trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and creative inspiration. Shark Beach’s renewed facilities aim to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages.

A Letter to the Future

Nielsen Park’s restoration speaks to the collective power of care and community. As it reopens, we are reminded of how public spaces like these invite reflection, connection, and creativity. For visitors planning a return to Shark Beach, why not use this moment to pen a letter about your experience? Whether addressed to a loved one, your future self, or even the park itself, writing can capture the joy of revisiting a place filled with personal and shared memories.

Plan Your Visit

The reopening is anticipated for mid-December 2024, though visitors are encouraged to check the NSW National Parks website for updates. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty and stories of a rejuvenated Shark Beach and let its charm inspire your next written reflection.

For more information about Shark Beach and Nielsen Park or other parks in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney visit, go to www.easternsuburbsmums.com.au

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Assigning Authentic Writing Tasks

Catalina understands that students are more motivated when they see the real-world relevance of their writing. Rather than assigning generic exercises, she designs tasks with a personal touch. One standout initiative is encouraging students to write thank-you letters to people who have positively impacted their lives.

By shifting from traditional assignments to personal, heartfelt communication, Catalina taps into a universal human experience—the desire to express gratitude. Students eagerly write letters to teachers, parents, coaches, or community members, finding joy and purpose in their work. This project not only improves writing skills but also strengthens connections within the community.

Getting to Know the Students

Catalina’s success lies in her commitment to understanding her students. She takes time to learn about their interests, strengths, and challenges, tailoring assignments to their passions. Using tools like a writer reflection survey, she gathers valuable insights into her students’ attitudes toward writing and their goals. For instance, students passionate about sports write thank-you letters to coaches, while budding artists express gratitude to local creatives.

This personalized approach ensures students feel invested in their writing, transforming the classroom into a space where their voices matter.

Embracing an Asset-Based Approach

Catalina’s inclusive teaching style recognizes the unique strengths of each student. For multilingual learners, she encourages writing in their home languages and provides tools like speech-to-text software. Students with learning differences receive tailored support, such as breaking tasks into manageable steps.

Her asset-based mindset creates a classroom where all students feel valued and capable, empowering them to succeed as writers.

Fostering Inclusivity and Representation

Catalina ensures her writing tasks reflect her students’ diverse backgrounds. Instead of generic prompts, she invites students to write about meaningful relationships. Whether it’s a family member, mentor, or friend, her assignments encourage students to celebrate the people who shape their lives.

Her classroom embraces diversity by including materials that represent various cultures, family structures, and identities. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of belonging, making writing a positive and enriching experience for all students.

Tips for Implementing Gratitude Writing in the Classroom

1. Incorporate Real-Life Scenarios: Design writing tasks that connect to students’ daily lives, such as thank-you letters to family members, teachers, or community helpers.
2. Encourage Reflection: Provide opportunities for students to think about the people they appreciate and why. Reflection fosters a deeper emotional connection to their writing.
3. Celebrate Diversity: Allow students to express gratitude in ways that resonate with their cultural and personal experiences, including writing in their home languages.
4. Showcase Their Work: Share students’ thank-you letters with recipients or display them in the classroom to emphasize the value of their words and efforts.

The Power of Thank-You Letters

Catalina’s thank-you letter project is more than a writing exercise; it’s a tool for self-expression and community building. Students discover the power of words to create connections and bring joy. The excitement grows when students receive heartfelt responses, reinforcing the impact of their writing.

For many students, this project is transformative. They realise that writing is not just a classroom skill but a meaningful way to communicate and express gratitude in the real world.

Conclusion: A Spark for Writing

Catalina’s approach to teaching writing demonstrates the power of authenticity, empathy, and inclusivity. By assigning meaningful tasks, understanding her students’ needs, and creating a supportive environment, she has turned writing into an exciting journey of self-expression.

The thank-you letter project exemplifies how powerful writing can be when students are allowed to express themselves with purpose and passion. Catalina’s ultimate reward is seeing her students’ excitement as they realize they are not just learning to write—they are learning to connect and communicate in ways that truly matter.

Read more about Thank you letters here.

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Launching on Valentine’s Day, the project will see the digital release of hundreds of thousands of personal letters, diaries and other handwritten documents.

That includes the beginning of Dorothy and Mac’s 70-year love story, which was penned in hundreds of love letters spanning five years.

Photo A Current affair

Their romance began in 1937, when a 17-year-old Mac met a 14-year-old Dorothy, or – as he liked to call her – his darling Dot.

“He kept on asking me to go out but my father wouldn’t let me,” Dorothy laughed.

In 1939, Mac was off to war, but the plan was always to come home to his Dot.

He said to me, When I come back home…’ he said, ‘Will you come out with me then?'” Dorothy reminisced.

“I said, ‘Of course I will, Mac!’ And then he gave me a kiss and went to war.”

They wrote letters to each other every week for five years.

Even when Mac was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war the letters continued.

“I hated him being away, and when the letters came back oh gee they were wonderful,” Dorothy said.

“A letter meant he was still alive, you see, so it was so exciting.”

But the best message of all came in April 1945.

Mac had escaped and he was coming home to his darling Dot.

“Hello my darling. What does one say in a moment such as this?” Dot wrote on April 30, 1945.

“I have butterflies in my stomach, love in my heart and few words that make sense in my mind. Well Mac, it’s really coming at last. You’re almost home”.

And he wrote back to that: “Hello darling. I miss you more now than ever.

Unfortunately I can’t find a boat to take me back to you.

“If they don’t hurry I guess I’ll just have to pinch a rowing boat and see what I can do!”

When Mac got home, he had some very precious cargo – half a decade’s worth of those love letters and a portrait of himself painted by another prisoner of war.

It hangs proudly at the end of Dorothy’s bed and is the first thing she sees when she wakes.

Now Robyn Van Dyke and Terrie-Anne Simmonds from the Australian War Memorial are sifting through thousands of donated love letters, including Mac’s and Dorothy’s.

“He not only managed to escape, but he managed to take all her letters with him and that blows me away because it’s not a small amount of letters,” Robyn said.

The team is looking for volunteers to help ensure those stories – and all that love – live forever.

“We’re asking people to jump online and look at those letters up close and transcribe them,” Terrie-Anne said.

“Essentially you can type what they’ve written so that way everyone can access them.”

Dorothy, who is now 101 years old, had more than 70 wonderful years with Mac before he died in 2014.

“He was nearly 90, you know. And me I just kept on going and going and going!” she said.

“He’d be up there watching every minute I bet.

“We had such fun. Oh dear we did have fun. We laughed a lot and we cried a lot.

“But we lived – and that was the main thing.”

If you’d like to volunteer for the Australian War Memorial’s project, head here.

The post Australian War Memorial brings historic Aussie love letters to life in digital collection appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

There are many benefits in getting children to write letters.

Studies have shown that children who write handwritten letters have stronger reading and spelling skills, there’s no autocorrect when you’re writing a letter, so children learn how to spell a lot quicker when writing. It’s also a great way to get children off computers, phones and tablets. Most parents feel their children spend way too much time on their devices, writing letters gives children a much needed break from these devices, or in many cases the parents devices. It’s also great for their immagination as they have to think what they want to say. They express themselves a lot more with a hand written letter.

In the age of digital technology why not go back to basics and go on an adventure around the Eastern Suburbs and let your children write a letter or two, you might be suprised at how much they enjoy the experience.

Here’s our 5 best places to write a letter in the Eastern Suburbs.

1: Cooper Park – Bellevue Hill.

Cooper Park is a bit of a hidden gem in the East but it’s also one of the most beautiful places to go and write a letter with your children.

There’s a lovely cafe there which is nice and relaxing and you can also play some tennis as well. Then there’s the gorgeous rainforest which will get the kids’ imagination flowing.

There’s lots of great places to sit and write a letter.

https://youtu.be/XcU1nRAjEuI

2. Bronte Beach – Bronte.

Most of us in the East would have been to Bronte Beach for a swim in the ocean or the pool but have you ever thought about taking the kids to Bronte to write a letter?

The cafe’s across from the beach are great for a bite to eat and on those hot summer days it’s the perfect place for an ice cream or a milkshake.

Why not take the kids to Bronte and sit on the grass or in one of the huts and write a letter?

https://youtu.be/BDRghw8y0NU

3. Centennial Park – Randwick.

You could spend all day in Centennial Park with the kids and never get bored, from playing on the ovals, riding your bike, having a bite to eat or sitting at the ponds while watching the birds and other wildlife.

There’s never a dull moment when you’re there.

Nature is great for the kids and it gets their imagination running wild.

There’s many great places to sit and write a letter.

You can sit and watch the swans, write a letter and draw the birds that you see as well.

https://youtu.be/wwdWF1Wdqgw

4. Ivor Rowe Rock Pool – South Coogee.

Just up the road from Coogee Beach is Ivor Rowe Rockpool, many of us know it as the rockpool in South Coogee. For those that haven’t been there it’s just below Bunya Pde.

The small rockpool is a fun place for a dip in the ‘ocean’ or just to walk around and discover the sealife. In certain months of the year it’s a great place to spot whales.

There’s a stunning view of the ocean and it’s a great location to take the kids to write a letter, and if you’re lucky; you might even see a whale or two.

https://youtu.be/60g8CAKf4gE

5. Duff Reserve – Point Piper.

With one of the best views of Sydney Harbour, Duff Reserve is a hidden gem in the East.

Located on Wolseley Road, the reserve is located in the northernmost point of Point Piper.

Though small in size, it’s the perfect secluded location to have a picnic, watch the boats go by and while you’re there write a letter. The kids will love that you’re so close to the water and the views of Sydney Harbour are breathtaking.

The post The Five Best Places for Kids To Write A Letter In The Eastern Suburbs appeared first on World Letter Writing Day.

LEELA VARGHESE, REPORTER: Your trusty old letterbox. If it could speak it would probably say something like: I’m so lonely. I never get letters anymore. I mean every so often I get a bill or junk … Click here to check out the video

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Richard Simpkin founded World Letter Writing Day in 2014. He visits schools to do letter writing workshops with kids. He encourages children & adults to take a break from social media & write a letter to someone. Richard & his son Oliver appeared on Studio 10 in September 2019 to talk about why its important to write letters. View on YouTube

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