TORONTO, Feb. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Tomorrow 200 Vancouver area students will turn Creekside Community Recreation Centre into a world trading pit. Youth will track global food prices on their smart phones, and watch how natural disasters, volatile political situations and skyrocketing food costs converge to quickly plunge the world into "haves" and "have-nots".
The students will be participating in Activate - an educational event hosted by World Vision designed to encourage leadership and build awareness of how young Canadians can help fight poverty by participating and becoming advocates in this year's 30 Hour Famine (www.famine.ca).
While the goals include inspiring and motivating students, the primary aim is to educate students about why developing countries continue to struggle with poverty and food security, and how global economic systems, the environment, and political factors create complex challenges in many parts of the world.
"We're so excited to bring this event to Canadian students. We're confident that Activate will enhance their passion for social justice through education on the real issues of hunger in a very tangible way," says Cindy Mielke, Youth & Student Campaigns Manager, "the live simulation game will bring them into the head space of decisions global leaders have to make on every day issues of food security. Students will learn about the underlying causes of poverty, the stark inequalities of the world we live in, how they can contribute to lasting change…and that there is hope!"
At the event, students can expect to hear from dynamic speakers, see multimedia presentations, and participate in peer-to-peer learning and workshops.
Who: 200 Vancouver area students
What: Activate event hosted by World Vision
When: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Media passes available
Where: Creekside Community Recreation Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
Why: To provide students with the opportunity to learn and discuss how poverty happens and what can be done
Interviews available: Cindy Mielke, Manager, Youth & Student Campaigns World Vision, youth attendees
Online: http://yourmovement.ca/activate
World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
Image with caption: "Students learn how global inequalities persist through global simulation game (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140211_C8865_PHOTO_EN_36518.jpg
SOURCE: World Vision Canada
For media interviews or media passes contact:
Sarah Bartley 905-565-6200 ext. 4054; [email protected]
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