Day of Silence - what better way to tell people about slavery... than by saying nothing at all?

Today, together,
As one we stood,
To give our voice,
To the misunderstood. 

With our lips sealed,

And our faces white,

We raised awareness,

To do what’s right. 

To put a stop to slavery,

With no violence or guns,

To save those kids,

The thousands and one. 

We will fight for this,

Without a single tear,

Fight for their freedom,

And have no fear.

- Bailey Nassau

Aberfoyle Park High School’s amazing Vision Generation VGroup performed a stunt - bell to bell - that shocked the student body and teachers alike. The VGroup wanted to inform students at Aberfoyle Park about slavery in the twenty first century. So what better way to tell the students about slavery… than by saying nothing at all?! The Day of Silence was created - students took a vow of silence for the day to represent the unheard voices of people enslaved and in bonded labour.

We excitedly met before school and prepared for the stunt. Students painted their faces white and armed with leaflets about slavery in the twenty first century, began their school day. We were nervous about the reactions that we would get… but we were pumped and ready for the silent protest!

Everywhere you turned you would see a white face...

In classrooms..
At the canteen..
In the yard..
On the oval..

The Day of Silence certainly turned heads. The school responded in mixed ways. Some students did not support us, but this did not discourage us at all… it only motivated us more. Most students were extremely interested and supportive, some wanting to join in too. By the end of the day we could talk again, and we shared stories of people’s reactions. We had a really successful day - we got people stirred up and spread the word about VGen and who we are. But most importantly, now our entire school community has a greater knowledge of slavery.

We can't wait to hear about you guys having your own Day of Silence at your school!

from Alana McMullan (13 years old) and Joanna Hubbard (VGen leader)

NOTE FROM BRETT AT WV HQ: these are two fabulous campaigners changing the world in South Australia! How amazing is our 13 year old Alana? How fabulous is the lovely Jo who is getting her hands dirty (and painting her face white!) and leading by example? What stars.