SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - It was a little bit quieter than usual in the halls and classrooms of Weledeh Catholic School one day last week.

photo courtesy of Simone Gessler Students at Weledeh Catholic School took a vow of silence for a day to raise money for their chosen charity for the year, an organization devoted to development in India. -

On March 1, a social justice group from the school, named Wolves 4 the World, participated in a vow of silence campaign, raising awareness on human rights issues and raising money for the school's chosen charity of the year, SOPAR - a Quebec-based non-profit organization devoted to international development in India.

"This campaign was an opportunity for them to raise awareness on human rights issues and stand in solidarity with the youth around the world who do not have a voice," said principal Simone Gessler.

Approximately 50 students collected pledges from the community and remained silent for a period of 24 hours; Gessler said this included any form of communication: no talking, no e-mailing, no text messaging and no hand gestures or miming.

"Notes were permissible as long as the information was important or related to class activities. If students were to break their vows, they would be responsible for returning any pledges collected to their sponsors," said Gessler.

The students raised $1,400 for their charity, something the students could cheer about loudly the next day.

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