On April 29, more than 4,000 students and teachers hit Toronto streets in the 2nd annual TDSB Student GuluWalk. Now that the highlights, reflections and pictures are rolling in, we wanted to share them with you.
2009 TDSB Student GuluWalk Highlights:
- Number of participating schools increased by 50% from 2008.
- More than 4,000 students and teachers walked with us for lasting peace.
- Students ranging from Grades 2 to 12 took part, and even the youngest walkers knew why they were there. As one Grade 2 student told a passerby: “We’re walking for the kids in Uganda because the Lord’s Army is taking them and making them do bad things in the army.”
- The walk was featured in CFRB, CHFI, Metro News and more.
- Student creativity was out in full force, featuring signs, banners and poetry, including this haiku from Jessica at Sir Alexander Mackenzie:
We walk for justice
Uganda depends on it
GuluWalk saves lives
Reflections:
“There are a lot of people who are in need in the world, and GuluWalk is great because it lets you get out of that dormant state and actively bring change.” – Tommy, Grade 12, Newtonbrook S.S.
“I hope other people take from GuluWalk a passion for caring for other people and the knowledge that just a little bit of your time can make a big difference for people around the world.” – Isabel, Grade 8, Annette Street P.S.
“Walking in someone else’s shoes develops empathy skills and human understanding, and that is exactly what GuluWalk achieves: Walking in someone else’s shoes.” – Sarah Parker, teacher, Finch P.S.
“We walked, we cheered, we danced, and we learned that together we can make a difference.” – From Sir Alexander Mackenzie’s online blog
The day in pictures:
More than 4,000 GuluWalkers gather in Lawrence Park, ready to use their footsteps for peace. Photo by Colin Hayward.
TDSB Director of Education Gerry Connelly congratulates students on stepping up for children in northern Uganda. Photo by M. Warden.
Grade 4/5 students from Finch P.S. address the crowd with a book excerpt from War Brothers about a child soldier in Uganda, and an original speech to remind everyone why they’re walking. Photo by M. Warden.
After these brief presentations, students take GuluWalk to the streets. Photo by Andy Gammada.
Toronto police lead the way as the walkers take over southbound Yonge Street.
Photo by Colin Hayward.
Powerful messages are on display for motorists and passersby. Photo by Andy Gammada.
And student creativity abounds. Photo by Sir Alexander Mackenzie P.S.
Some classes walk in their own neighbourhood, like this Grade 5 class at Sir Adam Beck.
And other schools do the same, like all of the students and teachers from WJ McCordic
After the nearly 10km trek (about 2.5 hours of walking!), students arrive at Metro Hall where Kids’ CBC Host Patty Sullivan leads them in a cool-down stretch. Photo by Colin Hayward.
Next they are addressed by Acholi speaker Opio Oloya, who congratulates them on their commitment to peace. Photo by Andrea McKinlay.
Then two young students from Lord Dufferin take to the stage and share their poetry about their thoughts on GuluWalk and their hopes for Uganda. Photo by Andrea McKinlay.
And Mohamed Diaby and his band get students up and dancing. Photo by Colin Hayward.
After a full day of stepping up for children affected by conflict in northern Uganda, the second annual TDSB Student GuluWalk comes to a close. Congratulations to everyone who walked with us…and we’ll see you next April! Photo by Andrea McKinlay.
