In his attempt to give a voice to the plight of a billion hungry people in the world, Glen Waverley Secondary College student DANIEL CHRISTIANSZ gave up talking during World Vision's 40 Hour Famine.
BEING voiceless for 40 hours was a physical, psychological and emotional challenge. Perhaps I have taken for granted my ability and right, in Australia, to voice my opinion without fear. To forego something this important and imperative to my social and school life, even for 40 hours, was a challenge.
Attempting to rehearse with a band, debate with parents and explain to people why I had tape on my mouth proved an arduous task.
Studying for a legal studies test on criminal trial procedure without being able to ask questions was truly tedious. It became difficult to think straight and to be able to solve problems. However, at times it did work in my favour as I was not compelled to respond to some questions people posed.
Although it was a struggle, the connection I felt towards the poor and oppressed became irreversible. I can never again say that I am disconnected to the point of inaction, or that I don't know what is happening in the wider community.
I am privileged to form part of the Monash Young Persons' Reference Group, which ensures the voices of Monash youth are heard. Unfortunately, many people in our wider community remain voiceless for their entire life.
The global financial crisis has negatively impacted the lives of countless people across Australia.
Those responsible for this financial crisis have been bailed out and have in some cases received enormous payouts while the true victims, the poor and oppressed, have been forced into poverty.
In the past year the global food crisis, the lesser known GFC, has pushed another 100 million people into poverty. According to the United Nations there are now a billion hungry people in our world. We must never forget that behind every statistic is a face.
What has been described as a 'triple crisis' by the United Nations will hurt the poor more than ever. The effects of soaring food prices, climate change and economic instability in Third World and developing countries cannot simply be swept under the carpet.
In Australia, rising food prices may influence us to eat out less but if you are one of the billion hungry people across the world it may mean you do not eat at all.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore that we live in a globalised world. Actions that do and do not take place in Monash will affect people in other countries who we may never meet.
The Monash Fair Trade Steering Committee, which promotes the use of Fair Trade products, is a prime example of how change is being created from a local level.
Although the 40 Hour Famine was a struggle, I strongly believe it was a worthwhile challenge that allowed me to stand in solidarity with the poor, raise awareness for an issue that will define my generation and raise money that will bail the poor out of a financial crisis they did not create.
I encourage you to take action. Choose two ways that you can make a difference within the next week. Visit www.worldvision.com.au to find out different ways that you can be involved.
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