Over a thousand youth went without food so others can eat!
A jam-packed Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig made a lot of noise against hunger with over 1,300 youth rallying behind World Vision’s “12-hour Famine” anti-hunger campaign. Twelve hours with no food yet the crowd of a thousand strong remained full of energy as they partied with celebrities, volunteers, and fellow hunger-fighters on November 19th. World Vision’s 12-hour Famine youth campaign aims to generate a nation of givers by making them empathize and advocate against extreme hunger caused by poverty that other children in the country experience every day.
In the Philippines, the Famine is the biggest youth movement against hunger where participants from different schools and groups not only learn about the problem, raise money to help kids, but also experience hunger face-to-face by fasting together for 12 straight hours.
Funds raised through the “12-hour Famine” will help communities struck by hunger so families can have better chances of surviving. Children will not just be given food that will last them for a week. Instead, their community will be given income generating opportunities so families can afford decent food. Communities will be given water systems so children can have access to clean drinking water.
"It was a memorable 12-hours! Though it may have been difficult for some, we were reminded that we were part of something bigger. We were part of making a difference in children's lives!" Shared by a Hunger-Fighter
When youth unite great things happen!
The “Famine” youth movement has been going on for decades in countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdon, Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia, to name a few, drawing atleast 10,000 youth per country to fast during their “Famine rallies” that run for 40, 30, or 24 hours straight!
Every day, more than 24,000 children die for reasons of poverty, diseases, and hunger—deaths that are absolutely preventable!
To make sure the youth participants understand the urgency of hunger, respected speakers who are experts in their field shared some useful insights about hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
Representing the World Food Program, Stephen Anderson shared important facts about global hunger, while Dr. Yvonne Duque World Vision’s health specialist explained how hunger affects a child’s body. World Vision Board Director Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato and Executive Director Elnora Avarientos reminded the youth of their potential to become agents of change!
The final four hours of the 12-hour Famine was dedicated to a special youth concert! It was a celebration of the hunger fighters’ commitment to continue supporting the fight to avert hunger in the country.
But before celebrating, everyone had a few moments of silence as a prayer for the hungry was led by Pastor Choi of World Vision. A song number was offered by singer Janeena Chan.
A long list of singers, and bands entertained the youth as they counted down to the very last second of the 12 hour fast!
Counting down to the final hours, minutes, and seconds of the 12 hour Famine 2011! All the youth hunger fighters broke fast together at 8pm as snacks provided by generous corporate partners were served for all!
But the fight against hunger continues! These youth participants are committed to spread awareness about the urgent hunger problem and how others can help by supporting World Vision programs currently ongoing in many of the poorest and hungriest areas in the country.
To be keep up with the Famine movement, log on to www.12hourfamine.ph.
