Students from across 60 Brisbane high schools today had a life-changing lesson on poverty in Rwanda and around the world.

The aims? To raise awareness of global hunger and promote the 40 hour famine campaign.

Sushma Waller reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Students took roles in a simulation where they were part of a struggling Rwandan community.

Re-enacting a marketplace where supplies were produced and traded in exchange for food and water.

By the end of the three rounds, only half of the communities had survived, dying from starvation, disease and a number of other factors.

Madina Mohmood, World Vision Youth Ambassador: “We start off the day, really I guess on a low-note showing them the harsh realities of poverty. Then from there transitioning into the hopeful side. What they can do to be a part of ending poverty.”

Judah Rajkumar, Student: “Well today we’ve been hearing a lot of stories about how other people survive with stuff that is so limited and we take for granted. Something that we have so much of.”

The event was timely, after the Federal government announced a cut to foreign aid in the budget last night.

Ellie Chadwick, VGen State Manager: “We’re disappointed that the Australian government decided to cut $7.6 billion from the aid budget.”

The program aims to inform and empower young Australians to be a part of the solution to global poverty.

Although today encourages students to participate in the 40 Hour Famine, there is a strong focus on the idea that as global citizens, we are all responsible for the fight towards ending world hunger.

Sushma Waller, QUT News.