Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, the conflict in the Congo, the civil war in Myanmar – all of these conflicts are occurring in the world today, each conflict receiving various degrees of attention from the media, nongovernmental organizations and governments across the globe. As a new club at West High, Global Youth Aid (GYA) strives to give attention to conflicts in all countries, not only those emphasized in the media, but also those that are overlooked. 

The idea for Global Youth Aid evolved after two separate initiatives merged into one wider vision. Sophomore Colton Helton, whose goal is to expand the mission of GYA, wanted to scale a campus aid effort to something more global. Meanwhile, freshman Daniah Alsagheer, whose family background includes roots in Iraq, pushed to expand the scope beyond one country or crisis. 

The Iraq war, which began in 2003, left lasting impacts on the nation’s communities and youth, including Alsagheer. Alsagheer’s Iraqi background fuels her dedication toward the club. 

“When there’s a new [war], [that’s what’s] relevant. But then other wars are still happening, and people [keep living] in suffering. My country is still rebuilding after war; we don’t disappear because something new [makes headlines],” Alsagheer said. 

These perspectives shape how the club picks what to spotlight: not just high–profile headlines, but conflicts that continue hurting children and communities long after the camera moves on. 

The club formed this school year from a handful of students who wanted more than classroom conversation about international issues. Through volunteering, fundraising and community engagement, the student-led organization seeks to support children and teens affected by war. 

“Seeing how deeply these conflicts impact young lives truly motivates us to make a difference and bring hope to those who need it most,” board member and freshman Rayyan Sleem said. “Knowing that our efforts, whether volunteering, fundraising, or raising awareness, can bring hope reminds me that even small actions can make a real difference.”

Sleem describes how his heritage impacts his dedication toward the meaning of the club, and how his personal connection to the issues gives the mission a sharp urgency. 

“[I] feel proud and deeply connected to this cause, because as a Palestinian, I understand firsthand how conflict can impact young lives, and this club gives me a way to turn that empathy into action,” Sleem said.

Global Youth Aid’s purpose is simple: bring awareness to crises and pair that awareness with tangible support. The group plans to balance education – posters, presentations, class conversations – with more hands–on efforts – food drives, volunteer shifts at local agencies, bake sales and other fundraising events to send aid where it’s needed. 

“It’s not just putting up posters,” Alsagheer said. “We want fundraisers, [volunteer events] and money that [can go to] organizations [that are taking action.] Baby steps [lead to] bigger steps.” 

Alsagheer pointed out examples like community fundraisers that reframe ordinary events, like the Red Cross pickleball tournament, which took place in early February. She expressed her desire to implement the same activities in Global Youth Aid’s agenda and have the same effect — raise awareness and resources for movements or countries that need it. The club leaders also emphasize the youth–to–youth angle.  

“We’re not just looking at the environment,” Alsagheer said. “We’re [focusing on] the youth in those countries; kids who are dying from no food, no shelter. We want to make people’s lives [worth living].” 

One of the club’s strengths is conversation. In classrooms and hallways, dialogue can expand perspectives. The club plans to initiate conversations during meetings to discuss the events people are exposed to online. Alsagheer described how social media first opened her eyes to images and videos of suffering that made the crisis feel immediate and personal, a reaction many younger activists share.

“Conversation and [dialogue] are important because it’s not just telling people to help,” Alsagheer said. “It’s connecting; talking about what we can do brings hope.” 

That emotional connection fuels their practical work. So far, the club is focusing on humanitarian needs. They’ve drafted a long list of events and hope to partner with other campus organizations as their program grows. Global Youth Aid is still in its early stages, so planning and execution are the most immediate challenges. Organizing events, securing partnerships and deciding which crises to highlight all require time and coordination. But the board members point to something else: the small yet powerful acts individual students can take. 

“[Anybody can] raise awareness, educate [their] peers about the impact of war, [or] volunteer locally at food banks,” Alsagheer said. “[If they’re passionate toward the cause, they can] fundraise for relief efforts or host events like bake sales. They’re [engaging] ways to [take action] for countries that need our help.”

For the rest of the year, Global Youth Aid plans to build its roster while expanding awareness campaigns across Parkway West. Students who want to get involved are encouraged to attend the club’s monthly meetings, participate in fundraising events, or simply spread the word among friends and family. The club’s leaders hope the effort does more than send money or supplies. They want it to change how West High students think about global suffering — to see it as an ongoing responsibility rather than a headline.

“If you feel powerless, you’re not,” Alsagheer said. “Anything is possible if you [put in the work]. You can donate, share a post [or] join a volunteer event. If you put [action into it,] you’ll make a difference.”