SOUTH East residents have had a glimpse into what life is like as a Syrian refugee after taking part in the Act For Peace Ration Challenge.
Participants ration their food for three, five or seven days to gain insight into what it is like to live in a refugee camp.
Ration packs contain food matching the items distributed to refugees, including a small amount of rice, flour, lentils, chick peas, beans, fish and oil, with only water to drink.
A St Martins Lutheran College team participated in this year’s challenge, reflecting the school’s focus on compassion.
The team raised more than $3000 for the cause, with students in addition to parents and teachers participating.
“My mum saw an advertisement for the challenge online somewhere and thought I might be interested in taking part,” Year 8 student Molly Wild said.
“I really felt I needed to do something about it, so I brought it to school and asked who would join with me.
“There was a great response from my peers and it is great to know they all feel for refugees like I do.”
Year 12 student Airlee Jacobs completed five days of the challenge and although she found it tough, she felt a sense of accomplishment afterwards.
“It is a lot harder than I thought to complete,” Airlee said.
“I was pretty tired every day and the food was really bland, but I know I am lucky to only have to eat like this for five days.
“The challenge is only a small part of what refugees go through every day – I still have a warm bed with a roof over my head, but they do not have those luxuries.
“I think it is definitely a rewarding experience and it has spurred me on to want to create change.”
Eirene Couzens completed the challenge during Refugee Week and pushed through the seven days.
“When I first saw the small amount of rations I would be living on for a week, I was shocked,” she said.
“It is truly devastating to think that people live on these rations on a day to day basis.
“I am just thankful that this was only a week for me and I still have the comfort of my home, bed and family to support me, as opposed to refugees, who may not have these very basic necessities that we all take for granted.”
Ms Couzens said her toughest challenge was to not go out for lunch or a coffee while at work.
“I work in an office on Commercial Street, so it was pretty tempting to just step out and grab something,” she said.
“But I know refugees do not have that luxury, so I had to tough it out.
“I was lucky enough to raise over $1000, meaning I could have one coffee and it was the best feeling!”
Airlee, Molly and Ms Couzens all agree the challenge was something they would like to take part in again in hopes of raising more awareness for refugees.
