Who is Nobody Project

They helped turn Nobody into Somebody with their many selfless acts, not only in the community, but across the globe

How can a ten year old make a difference in their community? That is the question that was posed to 55 grade five students at North Gower Marlborough Public School last fall. The answer took the form of a journey of kind acts and selfless actions. The Who is Nobody Project (www.whoisnobody.com) invites children to see what kind of a difference they can make in their community and the world. Each class received a suitcase with a plain blue doll inside. Each student took the doll home, created their own service project and shared it with the class. When the doll (NOBODY) returned to class it bore a physical memento of the project. Little by little each doll was covered with souvenirs of the students’ good deeds.

Nobody had become Somebody!— Karen Deurloo, principal

School Principal, Karen Deurloo says by the year’s end, “Nobody had become Somebody!” Projects ranged from a class penny drive for Free the Children, to helping an elderly neighbour, to lobbying for a safer game of hockey. Children donated time, money, canned goods, clothing, books, animals, bicycles, and even their own hair to help others.

Ms. Deurloo invites everyone to come and help them celebrate all that they have learned about helping others. On June 18th, at 2:30 p.m. the school’s sponsors, the Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata, and the school council, will be on hand to hear their stories and see their projects. Members of the media are also encouraged to attend.

Festivities will include: a brief video, sharing of scrapbooks and presentation of Free the Children donation. Help us spread our message: Everyone is a somebody and we can all make a difference!

This article was published in The Manotick Messenger on 2nd July 2008