By Leanne Joyce
An eager group of 30 students and three teachers from Kolbe Catholic College were involved in the 40 Hour Famine this year.
The famine started on the evening of August 15 and students struggled through the next day before coming together as a group to stay overnight at the college.
Hungry and tired, students participated in many ice-breaker activities and games to help take their minds off the famine experience.
Representatives from World Vision visited the students on their overnight stay to talk about the importance of the cause and the benefits of the 40 Hour Famine.
They showed students evidence of change and brought hope and inspiration to the group.
Courtney, Ella, Dain and Esmera led a game where students represented the tribes of Africa, including face painting and tribal dancing.
This game helped students understand the importance and use of scarce resources. It wasn’t about profits, it was about the students trying to create a sustainable and efficient living.
A talent quest where students showed their weird and wacky skills soon followed.
A cool-down session of movies and fruit juice was definitely needed towards the end of the night.
The next morning, students watched a documentary on Hugh Jackman’s involvement with Ethiopian children and the impact he has made.
Gambling barley sugars and other activities made students realise the importance of food in their lives.
Various film clips played throughout the stay reminded students of the positive change they were making.
It was an amazing experience with amazing people and one none of the students will forget.
Working together as a group made the famine much easier than everyone thought it would be.
The group have been given much inspiration to do more and also have a sense of hope that they are able to give the children in Malawi a sense of freedom.
It made the participants realise how fortunate and lucky they are to have been born into a prosperous country such as Australia.