This year, on November 30th, Stanley Humphries Secondary School (SHSS) and many other schools and individuals around the Kootenays and the world participated in the Vow of Silence.
The Vow of Silence is a fundraising and awareness-raising campaign put on by an organization called “Free the Children” where tens of thousands participate by standing in solidarity with those who are silenced by poverty, disease and exploitation.
All around the world, people are permanently silenced and denied their basic rights and their voice —this campaign is for these people (visit iamsilent.com or search “vow of silence” to watch some great videos on the issue; Michel Chikwanine’s story is an excellent example of how children are being silenced).
Participants took the Vow of Silence to whatever extent they chose, whether it was simply not speaking for 24 hours; not using Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, or text messaging; or not using hand gestures, note writing or any other form of communication. Many students at Stanley Humphries including Mr. Gregory's Leadership Class refrained from speaking for at least part or the entire school day while raising some money towards Operation Christmas Child. Losing your voice for any period of time can be a very challenging thing; especially for high school students so good job to everyone at SHSS who participated in the vow. I am very proud to say that I was one who lasted 24 hours without any form of communication other than hand gestures and congratulations to everyone else who lasted 24 hours or tried their best to be silenced for the silenced—it was sure difficult, but it was for a great cause!