Ujima

Bringing People Together

By Lily O. (Dalton student, class of ’10)
The Ujima Project is something that has really brought Dalton together and has reflected on the willingness to help others that so many people in our community possess. For the past three years, the Middle School has held an annual Read-a-Thon, bake sales and other fundraisers, including a fortune cookie sale with witty fortunes written by Ms. Hixson. The participation in these fundraisers shows how keen so many Middle Schoolers are to help other children that they know are much less fortunate than themselves. Ujima has given Dalton Middle Schoolers the chance to show that they care and they want to help make a difference.
We hope to continue the enthusiasm we have generated and the response we have received in past years and plan to hold the Read-a-Thon again this year, as well as possibly come up with some new fundraisers. Right now we are working with the HS Ujima Club to promote and sell Ujima Greeting Cards and Calendars. The entire Middle School is extremely excited to see how we have helped change the lives of 21 students in Kenya so far and we hope that we can continue to expand our work further.

Ujima in the Middle School

By Hannah E. (Dalton student, class of ‘09)

Ujima is a very important part of the Dalton Middle School. The Human Rights Club is one of the most active clubs in the Middle School. They often have bake-sales and raffles to raise money for Ujima. They also lead many assemblies to raise something much more valuable than money: awareness. The students watch videos of past events sponsored by the Human Rights Club as well as videos depicting current life in Kenya, whether it’s a day in the life of a scholarship student or something much sadder and needing attention in a completely different way.
Ujima’s involvement in the middle school doesn’t stop with the members of the Human Rights Club. Everyone can participate. Everyone can help. Each year over spring break there is a Readathon for Ujima. Spring break is the perfect time because students aren’t bogged down with schoolwork that prevents them from reading. The Readathon also encourages students who might find themselves playing video games or in front of a television to read. The 7th grade of 2002-03 was particularly successful when they held a grade-wide Readathon, and over the years these Readathon have raised thousands of dollars for Ujima. In addition, there is a school-wide Ujima Walkathon each spring. Ujima is a very active force in the Dalton Middle School.