Parramatta diocesan youth camp

Have you ever considered yourself one of the wealthiest people in the world? Most of us probably haven’t, but if you are reading this e-newsletter on a computer connected to the Internet, in a stable building with reliable electricity, and if you were able to eat three meals yesterday and sleep in a warm bed, then you are actually extremely lucky.

80 young people realised this confronting truth as they participated in a Global Reality Meal, at the Parramatta Diocesan Youth Camp over the weekend. People chose a random ticket, which allocated them to represent the elite 15% high income group, the 30% of middle income people, or the remaining majority of people in the low income group. The three groups were then treated according to the global reality; the high income group sat at a comfortable table, with an excess of delicious and nutritious food and drink. The middle income group sat at a plain table, and ate one serve of rice with sauce, while the majority sat on the floor, and ate a small portion of plain rice with their fingers.

The fact that we live a privileged life, purely due to where we were born by chance, is challenging to accept. Through the meal, we realised our obligation to consider how our own lifestyle impacts others around the world, and to take actions to be in solidarity with them.

"The Be More lunch activity was a highlight. it allowed me to visualise the gravity of poverty in this modern world, and just how many people (proportionally) are subject to a life without the basic necessities. it makes you contemplate just how much you contribute to that disparity. I believe that it's not something to feel "guilty" about, but a catalyst to want for change to take affect now!" Participant