CSS raises awareness through 30-Hour Famine DIY Camp 2024

The 30-Hour Famine DIY Camp 2024, organised by UTAR Community Service Society (CSS), successfully concluded on 8 September 2024. The camp aimed to create awareness about global issues such as poverty, hunger, and the shortage of resources while fostering teamwork and social responsibility among participants.

This year’s theme, Right the Wrong, focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and humanity’s failure to conserve resources. In one of the main activities, a station game, campers were immersed in a wartime scenario where they faced severe shortages of essential resources like water, food, and medical supplies. This interactive experience helped participants understand the devastating impacts of war and highlighted the value of conserving resources.

The camp officially kicked off on 7 September 2024 at Kampar Campus, where participants gathered early for registration and were briefed on the day’s activities. The event began with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from the event adviser and chairperson, followed by an ice-breaking session that saw participants divided into eight groups. These groups later engaged in famine-themed games, including “Desert Drought” and “Escape Danger and Hunger Together,” which simulated real-world challenges like water scarcity and the lack of access to medical care in poverty-stricken areas.

In addition to the games, community service activities were conducted on the second day, allowing participants to clean and maintain areas around the campus, including the recycling hub and the parking lot in front of the Faculty of Business and Finance. These activities not only helped beautify the campus but also reinforced the mission of the Community Service Society, to take initiative in serving the community with available resources.

Participants found the experience to be both meaningful and unique. Initially, some thought 30 hours would feel long, but after completing it, they expressed pride in their achievement. Many participants shared that, even with supplies, they still felt the pangs of hunger and fatigue, which made it harder to imagine the suffering endured by those in war-torn areas or facing extreme poverty. The society advisor, who attended during her spare time to show support, noted the significance of the activity in building empathy.

The event concluded with a message-leaving session, followed by a closing ceremony that included video sharing, certificate awards, and the final countdown to break the fast together. Surplus donations from the event were given to World Vision, an organisation dedicated to advocating for children and those affected by hunger.

The 30-Hour Famine DIY Camp provided students with invaluable experiences while raising awareness about pressing global concerns. Through this event, UTAR students demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact on society.