How a P.E.I. kindergarten class is helping others, one kind message at a time

A kind word or a nice letter can make a big difference when you're going through a hard time. That's concept behind The Friend Send, aninitiative that's come to P.E.I.

The Friend Sendwas started by an Ontario woman and her childrenand is now taking off in an Island classroom. Students from around the country sendmessages of hope andkindness to kids who've been bullied, have low self-esteem, or maybe just feel lonely.

Not old enough to write, but old enough to learn

Vanessa MacDonaldteaches kindergarten at Mount Stewart Consolidated and had her students participate in The Friend Send. Together, the class coloured kind words and pictures from a picture book.

The plan is to put those pictures together in a book, along with a class letter, and send it to a girl who has been going through a difficult time.

"We want the girl that we're paired up with to know that she is strong and brave and beautiful and smart," said MacDonald.

While herstudents can't write yet, MacDonaldsaid it was important to her to get the class involved in the initiative.

"As a teacher, it gives me the opportunity to bring up the topic that sometimes people feel not enough not brave enough, not smart enough, not funny enough and that it's a normal thing and there are ways to boost your self-esteem," she said.

"Their behaviour and actions matter to other people and that they're in control of themselves."

'They're beautiful enough and smart enough'

Five-year-old Siarra Jadisis in MacDonald'sclass and said wanted to help make this little girl happy.

"I wanted to be nice and sweet," said Jadis.

"Be nice and sweet to give her these pictures and notes."

As for the message behind Jadis' picture, she said she hopes it makes the girl feel good about herself.

"They're beautiful enough and smart enough."

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With files from Stephanie Kelly