Servite College students with Ryan Wiles (centre), Director of Ministry, and Chris Callus (right), Service & Justice Education, during last month’s Ration Challenge which coincided with Refugee Week. Photo: Supplied.
Servite College took part in the 2018 Act for Peace Ration Challenge last month to engage with global injustice through an immersive learning experience.
Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia, works to achieve safety and dignity in communities threatened by conflict and natural disaster.
During Refugee Week, 17 to 24 June, the ration challenge asked participants to eat and drink the same rations as a Syrian refugee living in a camp in Jordan, based on the food packs distributed by Act for Peace.
Some 12,000 Australians joined the campaign by eating small portions of rice, flour, oil, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and fish.
College students, families, and staff signed up to learn about global issues, develop empathy for others, and feel empowered to make a difference in the world while raising awareness and funds.
At Servite, the week culminated with the College’s LifeLink Winter Sleep Out on 22 June, where 40 students from years 10 and 11 registered to join this co-curricular event as part of their Christian Service Learning Project.
“I decided to take part in the ration challenge because I feel that refugees have a very unfair life and I wanted to experience how privileged we actually are,” Year 10 student Jesse Liebregts said.
It is no surprise that the participants found the challenge difficult, but appreciated the opportunities for growth and deep learning.
Year eight student Sophie Tse said the challenge further opened her mind to the struggles refugees live with daily.
“I decided to do an extra two days to really try and extend the experience. The campaign has reminded me to not take things for granted,” she said.
Assistant Deputy Principal Chris Callus said the ration challenge was a real eye-opener.
“It has helped me to appreciate more deeply the graces God has given me and the hardships others deal with on a daily basis,” Mr Callus added.
While around the world more than 28,000 people are forced to flee their homes every day, Act for Peace raises funds to provide food, medicine, and education for refugees.
The College is committed to continued involvement in social justice education and will participate in the Ration Challenge again next year.