FREE THE CHILDREN: Vow of Silence

by Steven Edmonds

On Sunday, November 13, the usually crowded and noisy Dundas Square in downtown Toronto was taken over by the sound of silence, as a large number of Free the Children supporters gathered to raise awareness for the upcoming Vow of (Silence) campaign. Accompanied by former child soldier Michel Chikwanine, the group stood in silence, their mouths covered in tape, for two hours. Nearby, Free the Children volunteers distributed a series of small cards that participants and bystanders alike filled out and assembled on a large board, slowly revealing the image of a a young child.  The actual event, Vow of (Silence), will take place world-wide Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in order to stand in solidarity with children around the world who are denied their rights, and voice, on a daily basis.  For more information, check out their website.