Fight Hunger: Walk The World
www.fighthunger.org

"Walk the World 21 May 2006... the World Walked!

"Walk the World 2006 was a fantastic success. In more than 420 locations in 118 countries all over the globe, people all gathered to call for an end of child hunger. Photos and stories are pouring in from all over the world - it was a truly global day of action."

This activity started in The Netherlands through the initiative of TNT company employees, to sensitize to the world about the hunger problem and to urge people to reach the first Millennium Development Goal. The success of this initiative has been so great, as it was followed by the main United Nations source of donations received.

This year, the march made emphasis on child hunger. 760 000 people walked around the world this year. In Latin American countries, there were activities accompanying the campaign such as collecting food, donating money, holding workshops and simply walking!

For example, we will talk about the Argentina case
(www.fighthunger.org/gathering/home/2/ar): With the support of the United Nations World Food Program, and through the Global Youth Action Network (www.youthlink.org), young volunteers from Vientos del Sur Association held 2 workshops titled "Messages from Children", with kids of the School #9 from Lomas de Zmora city, on May 17.

These children belong to the poorest districts of the city, and are in the school where they receive their main daily food. So hunger is a problem that directly affects their lives, families and communities. 200 children whose ages range between 11 and 15 years old participated in the workshops, and the result was almost 40 banners made for the march. Messages, drawings and collages made by them, showed that they have opinions and proposals for being part of the solution for the hunger problem.

At the end of the morning and afternoon workshops, children made a walk around the neighborhood where the school is, showing their posters and making their own "walk the world" in a symbolic way. Pictures of this activity can be seen at: www.vientosdelsur.tk. Also On May 21, these banners were taken to the National Long Walk, where they were exposed. Everybody made very positive comments about them.

We hope more people engage in solving hunger next year!

Mariana Ballestero, Director