Students and teachers are being invited to eat like a refugee, leading up to World Refugee Day.
They are being asked to get sponsored and raise much-needed funds to help children and families threatened by conflict and disaster around the world.
The Ration Challenge, from June 14-18, is a powerful and thought-provoking fundraising initiative that empowers Australian students to stand in solidarity with children who are living as refugees in other countries.
Every student registered by their teacher will receive a ration pack in the mail, containing the same rations, in the same quantities, as those distributed to Syrian refugees in camps in Jordan – just a small amount of rice, beans, chickpeas, lentils, fish, oil and flour.
St Andrew’s Anglican College in Peregian Springs and Caloundra Christian College students are among the schools to get involved.
“By taking the Ration Challenge, students will raise money that will help save lives now by providing emergency food, healthcare and support to people hit hardest by this crisis,” Ration Challenge co-founder Ben Littlejohn said.
“And by putting themselves in the shoes of a refugee for one week, they’ll learn about current global issues, develop empathy for others and feel empowered to make a difference in the world.”
The Ration Challenge was established in 2014 by humanitarian aid agency Act for Peace, and since then has captured the hearts and minds of more than 99,000 people who have taken part.
The schools program was launched in 2018 and since then, students and teachers have raised more than $1 million. So far this year, 50 schools have already registered for the program.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the conflict in Syria. Since it started, more than half a million people have lost their lives, and millions more have been left in need of humanitarian assistance,” Mr Littlejohn said.
“Now, as the world battles this pandemic, I’m not sure there has ever been a more important time to come together and take the Ration Challenge”.
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School teacher, Michael Ferris and his students at Reynella College in South Australia have taken part in the challenge for the last two years raising a total of $37,815.
“The Ration Challenge is an important tool for helping students get a glimpse of life outside their own,” he said.
“It helps develop a sense of community and of belonging.
“Being able to feel what it’s like to feel hungry is powerful.
“We can talk about it but that would have far less of an impact than kids experiencing it themselves and sharing that experience with their friends.”
School teacher Jonothan Bishop and his students from Christian Brothers’ High School in Sydney had taken part in the challenge for the past two years and raised a total of $31,674 and have registered again this year.
“I believe that the most enriching learning experiences are the ones in which you can fully immerse yourself in and relate to real world issues,” he said.
“By participating in the Ration Challenge you will be able to work together with a wide range of students to achieve great things. Never underestimate the power of having a conversation with a student and the carry on affect that can have on the wider community.”
“What are you waiting for? Get involved in what I think is one of the greatest initiatives you can run with your school. This is a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves and relate to real world issues with hands on experiences.”
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The money raised from the Ration Challenge will go towards helping save lives by providing emergency food, healthcare and life-saving support for the people who need it most.
“We hope your school will join us this year and for showing refugees, and the world, that we really are in this together,” Mr Littlejohn said.
