Odyssée students go hungry for a good cause

27 students and 3 teachers lived the hunger experience this past weekend in order to experience the pain starving children across the world feel every day. Photo provided by Kurt Tempelmans Plat.

It was a trying weekend for students at École secondaire publique Odyssée as they participated in the 30 Hour Famine (April 9th & 10th).

The event, spearheaded by student council prime minister Kurt Tempelmans Plat, gives students the opportunity to raise awareness and money for hungry children in Africa, while at the same time living the hunger experience.

Only allowed to drink juice and water, participants did not eat for 30 hours in order to experience the pain hungry children feel every day.

“I felt it would be an enriching experience, showing students the reality of hunger. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the famine, but after passing the 30 hours,” he said.

"It was really a great experience. It really opened my eyes to what happens in Africa, and that something should be done. I hope every student takes something away from this experience."

Tempelmans Plat explained that Friday started like any usual, at 8am students went about their regular school day. After school a number of cooperative games including video games, sports, and movies were organized to keep the group of 27 students and 3 teachers going.

Students then stayed overnight at school, and the following day had more activities thrown their way to keep their minds off their hunger. At 2PM on Saturday students celebrated their 30 hours with a wonderful spaghetti dinner.

The event was a great success raising $1,111.98.

"I would like to thank everyone who donated money to this fundraiser. It will help many hungry children.”

“I would also like to thank the staff members for their time and support."

Tempelmans Plat says he received great feedback from participants and is planning on holding the event again next year.