I am Silent: Raising Awareness

3 May 2013Joanna L, Alexandra ‘14

Last Thursday, 110 Brentwood students sacrificed their voices in order to complete the Vow of Silence for Children’s Rights. Around the world, in developed and developing countries, the voices of thousands of children are silenced. Reasons for participating in the vow included curiosity and interest in the idea, but all were willing to give up all forms of communicating, including Facebook and social networking, in order to support the rights of unrepresented children around the world.

It’s very difficult to understand how often we use our voices each day until you are not able to. Marked by their ‘ I am Silent’ nametags, the school descended into quietude for a day, as many students remained trapped in their bubble of muteness. There would be no more answering questions in class, no more asking to borrow something.

Only silence.

Needless to say it was very difficult, and it took a lot of willpower and determination on the part of the silent to resist the urge to speak. Communication came in the form of hand gestures and mimes, squeaks and pointing as people struggled to convey their desires without the use of their voice.

As the day wore on, many broke their silence, whether by accident or simply slipping up with the instantaneous response to a question or the call for the ball across the sport’s field. Frustration became too much for some, who broke their silence willingly, unable to resist the desire to speak. 24 managed successfully to find the will to hold their silence all night for a full 24 hours until Wednesday’s breakfast, where all the silent were greeted with congratulations and a freshly baked muffin from Ms. Quinton.

First words varied from ‘ Yes’ to a simple ‘Good Morning’ as the silence was broken. There were smiles and sighs of relief as students finished off the experience and went back to the chatter of Brentwood life.

By all accounts the Vow was a valuable experience that showed how obviously difficult it is to be without a voice! It is hoped that the efforts of the brave Brentonians have helped to at least raise awareness for those that continue to live without representation, without or a voice. If anything, it showed that once you know what it feels like, it makes you more likely to raise your voice in support!

Congratulations to all the participants.

Joanna L, Alexandra ‘14

Where Students Choose To Be