The Big Book: Pages for Peace Project Completes Printing on DuPont™ Tyvek®
WILMINGTON, Del., and GROTON, Mass., Sept. 25, 2015 – The Big Book: Pages for Peace Foundation and DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) today announced the completion of the World’s Biggest Peace book. The book, containing over 1,100 pages with 3,500 pieces of artwork, letters, quotes and messages of peace from such notable contributors as Nelson Mandela, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Maya Angelou, measures 12 feet tall by 10 feet wide – 20 feet when open – and is printed entirely on DuPont™ Tyvek®. The 4,000 yards, or nearly three miles, of Tyvek® required for the project was donated by DuPont.
The completion of the book after more than 10 years fulfills the dream of a group of 10 fifth grade students from the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District in Massachusetts in 2004. Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the students were concerned about the condition of their world and set out to make a difference. Their teacher, Betsy Sawyer, suggested they write to world leaders and others to ask for their advice on creating a more peaceful world. The class then embarked on its journey to make the responses into giant pages for the largest book in the world on peace. Since its inception, some 450 students have joined the effort, which is named The Bookmakers and Dreamers Club. Seven of the original students, now juniors in college, were invited to the United Nations for The International Day of Peace on Sept. 21. The book includes contributions from students, parents and veterans along with those of world leaders, Nobel Laureates and celebrities.
The students hope to exhibit the book at The United Nations in 2016 in support of The United Nations Youth initiative to promote The Culture of Peace. A portion of the book was previewed at the John F. Kennedy Library on Oct. 8, 2014. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called the students “an inspiration to the world” and the project “an amazing achievement and a fantastic commitment” when addressing the students through a video at the event.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering recommended the use of DuPont™ Tyvek® for the project because of its unique properties. Tyvek® has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than paper, absorbs little or no moisture, is strong and tear-resistant, and is made of environmentally responsible material.
“Thanks to DuPont my students have reached a major milestone in completing the printing of the World’s Biggest Peace Book,” said Betsy Sawyer, teacher, club adviser, and Big Book: Pages for Peace Foundation president. “DuPont worked with us for the last decade and never gave up on these dedicated students, helping them realize a seemingly unattainable goal. Sponsors of the project are not merely donating products or services, but helping to educate a generation of young minds and shape the future. DuPont understood that from the beginning.”
“DuPont is proud to be a part of this remarkable project,” said Chris Marx, global business leader – Tyvek®, DuPont Protection Technologies. “These students should be applauded for what they have accomplished and we are delighted to have contributed to their success and the endurance of their gift to the world.”
Other project sponsors are listed on The Big Book Project: Pages for Peace Foundation website: click here. With continued sponsorship, the students hope to help bring the book to a global audience. The next step is building the display and automatic page turning device designed by engineering students at The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Francis College of Engineering.
The Pages for Peace Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit foundation supporting peace education, community service and public speaking skills for students in grades 5-12. The Foundation was formed in 2008 in response to public donations toward building and exhibiting the World’s Biggest Peace Book. The Pages for Peace Foundation is dedicated to the concept that kids CAN make a difference and aspires to teach peace through sharing messages in the World’s Biggest Peace Book with children and adults around the world. Please visit our website to learn more or to make a donation.
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