They may be bidding farewell to their freedom for 10 days but Megan Earle and Maggie Peyton can’t wipe the wide excited smiles from their faces.

In fact they’re eager to spend their time confined to a small section of one of the most visible places on campus.

The pair are taking up temporary residence in the lobby of the Queen Elizabeth II Library where they’ll literally camp out for 10 days straight in an effort to draw attention to global literacy causes.

From Jan. 16-26, the two will eat, sleep, study and relax all within their small plot of space, only being allowed out for a five-minute break each hour.

Their entire movements will be recorded live on a webcam 24 hours a day, to be viewed around the globe.

Their experiment is part of national initiative known as Live-in for Literacy which aims to collect enough money to build nine libraries in India.

The duo is hoping to raise at least $6,000.

“I think living in the tent for 10 days will definitely be an interesting experience,” said second-year Arts student Maggie Peyton, a resident of St. John’s.

Both she and Ms. Earle are volunteers with the group Students for Literacy @ MUN.

“I will also enjoy meeting the different people who come out to support us. This is just such a great way to support our cause I cannot help but be excited about it. On a personal level we hope events like this will demonstrate how important literacy is to people of the world.”

With the winter semester just underway, the students have made arrangements with their professors to deal with missed classes. They will also have access to a computer during their experiment to keep atop of assignments, and have a phone in case of an emergency. The university’s Campus Enforcement and Patrol surveillance cameras will be adjusted towards the living area for 24 hour surveillance.

Memorial is just one of seven universities from across the country taking part in this year’s Live-in for Literacy, a national campaign aimed at raising money to help build schools, libraries, and other educational infrastructure in developing countries.

Ms. Earle said she hopes their experiment will ignite interest in helping literacy causes both here in this province and around the world. She said they’ll be accepting donations from students, staff and faculty as well as the wider community.

“As university students, we’ve experienced an environment that presents literacy as a normal every day skill, when in reality it is an opportunity not everyone has been lucky enough to receive,” said Ms. Earle, a native of Lodge Bay, Labrador who is hoping to pursue a social work degree. “I suppose the message I would hope people get from this is: embrace your opportunities, share your knowledge, and develop your skills to the fullest of their potential.”

More information about Live-in for Literacy 2009 is available online, or people can drop by the QE II Library anytime beginning at 2:30 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 16 until 2:30 p.m., on Monday, Jan. 26.

To make a donation to the cause, call 737-3111.