Chapel Hill News

On Feb. 26, the CHN ran a letter from long-time CHCCS guidance counselor Mary Gratch (http://bit.ly/yw7KJw) regarding Project Ubuntu (CHN, Feb. 8, http://bit.ly/wd2kKa). This is a campaign in which I will travel to every state in the U.S. in support of citizen service. The name comes from an African proverb meaning “My humanity is tied to yours.”

Mary herself is at the core of the project as a living embodiment of ubuntu. She has always recognized that making a difference isn’t just about fiscal or social policy; it’s about giving one’s time and energy to help others. Without the love and support of counselors like Mary, Chapel Hill’s bright young leaders would struggle to find their place amidst the competitive excitement of our schools.

The goal of Project Ubuntu is to re-affirm to people like Mary that her efforts are vital, and to inspire others to do their part. As Americans we need to continue to cultivate a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in young people, but we also need to challenge ourselves to expand our notion of community. Like Dr. Martin Luther King, we must “dream of a nation where all our gifts and resources are held not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of service for the rest of humanity.”

Mary’s children, CHHS alumni Ellen and Michael, carry her legacy by dedicating their talents to service, and Ellen is currently working in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic. We plan to link her into Project Ubuntu via Skype.

In North Carolina this December, Project Ubuntu will support Durham-based music service initiative KidZNotes. I want to encourage you to check our website (http://www.projectubuntu.info/) and upcoming CHN editions for updates on how you can get involved and help us pursue this dream for our nation.

Daniel Becton
Project Ubuntu

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