GAGILANG in the Teochew dialect literally means “own people”, loosely translating to the grand aspiration that all of Mankind is one. And how best to elicit empathy with the extreme poor amongst us than to fast in solidarity with like-minded people for a period of time. That’s the thrust of the Gagilang 30-Hour Famine DIY camp, an initiative of World Vision.
It’s an offshoot of the 30-Hour Famine, a global youth movement against hunger and poverty where participants either give up solid food or something they enjoy or even an activity of their choice for 30 consecutive hours.
Participation fees and contributions go towards projects that will help children and families lift themselves out of poverty by improving access to nutritious food, healthcare, education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene.
The Gagilang 30-Hour Famine DIY camp will be held from July 1-2. Registration for the exciting event has started and will end on June 11.
Camp leader Chor Chee Hoe, 30, says the word “gagilang” has a special significance as it is hoped that all the campers will bond like brothers and sisters at the event. “As global citizens, we are also helping our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who are struggling against hunger and poverty,” he adds.
An aircraft maintenance engineer, Chor has been volunteering at World Vision Malaysia since 2009.
“The positive impact that World Vision has had on many communities in the world, against injustice and poverty, is what drives me,” he says.
After all that he has seen and experienced in his years with the humanitarian organisation, he is as determined as ever to do what he can to help the underprivileged.
World Vision Malaysia, he says, has always emphasised the transformation power of education in its work.
Chor cites the Tulid Community Development Programme in Sabah where more than 500 children and their families are enjoying an improved quality of life through the organisation’s work in education, child protection, economic development and water, sanitation and hygiene projects.
A youth leader, he paid a visit to Mai Chau, a rural district in Hoa Binh province in the northwest region of Vietnam, in November last year.
He saw the effectiveness of ‘health clubs’, established by World Vision in various villages, in educating women and caregivers in maternity health and child care.
“An impoverished mother by the name of Thuan told me that since joining the club, she has learnt how to eat properly, get adequate rest, avoid heavy tasks and the importance of coming to the health station for periodical prenatal check-up.
“Health workers frequently visited her home to encourage her and her family,” he adds, with members reporting any worrying issues to community health workers so they can quickly intervene.
On Oct 1, 2015, Thuan gave birth to a healthy daughter weighing 3.5kg. Unlike her first delivery, the proud mother delivered her baby girl at the community health centre with the guidance of medical staff.
This year is a milestone of sorts for the 30-Hour Famine in Malaysia event as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
“Last year, RM2.4 million was raised in total, with an estimated 30,000 campers participating in various DIY camps around Malaysia,” says Chor.
Who should attend and what are its goals?
“We do not target any age group. The Gagilang 30-Hour Famine DIY camp is not a religious event. Anyone above 13 years old is welcome to join. So far, 60 per cent of our registered campers are working adults with the rest being students,” adds Chor.
Its goals, says the soft-spoken young man, is to raise funds and to create awareness.
“Our targeted donation amount is RM2.7 million. All funds raised will support programmes by World Vision and local partners in Malaysia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Democratic Republic of Congo .
These programmes, he adds, help children and families overcome poverty by improving access to healthcare, nutritious food, clean water, food security and economic opportunities.
These are achieved through:
• improving maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition practices;
• strengthening health services and improving access to healthcare centres;
• training and improving skills in animal husbandry, livestock raising and veterinary so families can grow income and enjoy economic stability;
• increasing food production by improving farmers’ knowledge and skills on sustainable crop production techniques;
• strengthening community-based management of sanitation and hygiene facilities;
• increasing access to clean water and hygienic latrines;
• empowering vulnerable children and families through education, training and livelihood initiatives
For the Gagilang 30-Hour Famine DIY camp, 12 organising committees and 20 key volunteers will take care of the campers, expected to number about 150.
Beside fasting for 30 hours, participants will learn about global issues affecting the poor, play interactive and educational games and find out how they can make an impact.
“The camp will be conducted in Mandarin and English so that everyone can understand our programmes,” says Chor.
Throughout the camp, drinks will be provided. “As mentioned earlier, participants either give up solid food or something they enjoy or even an activity of their choice for 30 consecutive hours,” says Chor.
Those who opt to fast will be given meals when they break fast on completion of 30 hours. During the camp, participants will learn more about hunger and poverty issues around the world through interesting and interactive games.
Participants will sleep and overnight at the main hall of Persatuan Ka Yin in Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur.
“The hall is a closed area and there are guards to ensure safety and security. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags. Alternatively, we will provide cardboards and boxes to the participants to let them experience life as homeless people who sleep on the streets,” he adds.
Participation of families with children above 13 is welcomed. Indeed, the 30-Hour Famine event is a great oportunity for family members to participate together and enjoy the bonding time while learning global issues affecting the poor, says Chor.
There also will be some familiar faces taking part, including TV host Chrystina Ng, who will be the emcee for the opening ceremony, and local personalities Joanne Cheah and Livian Oo.
CONTACT
To participate as a camper, contact gagilang30hourfamine@gmail.com or
call 017 358 5576 (Chee Hoe). For more details, go to https://30hourfamine.my/