The Humanity Project for many years now has used the famous civil rights mantra, "I am somebody," to reinforce self-worth for students. As part of our nationally acclaimed antibullying programs, we have introduced this group repetition along with deep breathing to entire schools as part of their daily announcements -- and it has had a very positive impact on their young psyches.
We hope you’ll watch this video: Here, veteran music teacher Lawrence Daniel addresses a 5th grade class at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Pembroke Pines, Florida... We first hear the school principal, Dr. Maraj, leading the daily affirmation over the school intercom. Then Mr. Daniel elaborates on "I am somebody" in a compelling way that shows what this simple message can do at a school.
We are trying hard to spread this daily practice and this important message to as many schools as possible. It’s only one part of our program, but we think it’s very valuable indeed. Most kids don’t hear that kind of encouragement often, if at all. Repeating these words daily in school eventually allows the idea of self-value to seep into their minds and influence their feelings about themselves — and others. As we frequently remind the students in our Humanity Club program, only those who feel like nobody treat others that way. If you feel like somebody special, you can more easily recognize the value in others. And behave toward them accordingly.
If your school anywhere in the world would like our guidance to implement exactly what we do, please contact us. It’s all free of course. And we are delighted to help you to help your kids.
