A call to all youth leaders!
Put your faith into action and support refugees and displaced communities through the Ration Challenge
During Refugee Week from the 20th to 22nd June, Act for Peace is providing youth groups across Australia with the unique opportunity to put their faith into action by participating in the Ration Challenge—an immersive experience that builds empathy, awareness, and a passion for change while helping those in urgent need.
As followers of Christ, we are called to serve others, seek justice, and show compassion. Through the Ration Challenge, we bring these values to life.
Never before have so many people had to flee their homes due to conflict and disasters. There are now 122.6 million (that’s 1 in 67) people without the peace of a safe place to call home. There’s never been a more important time to act for peace.
Today, as we face an unprecedented humanitarian displacement crisis, developing qualities of compassion and empathy in young people is key to bringing about positive change in the world.
The Ration Challenge allows young people to live out their faith while raising funds for urgent aid and helping refugees access food, water, and healthcare.
For three days, youth groups will eat the same rations as Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in urban refugee camps in Jordan and get sponsored to do so.
This challenge is about more than just the experience of eating simple rations—it’s about deepening the youth group’s commitment to serving others and helping displaced people regain the peace of a safe place to belong.
Participants will receive a free ration pack containing the same rations distributed to refugees in camps in Jordan—a small amount of rice, beans, chickpeas, lentils, fish (or tofu), oil, and flour—as well as access to their very own fundraising page that they can share with those around them.
Youth leaders will receive inspiring resources and communications from the Act for Peace team to help them facilitate the challenge and support their participants throughout the journey, maximising their experience.
Act for Peace CEO Elijah Buol OAM lost his parents to conflict when he was a child and spent many years in refugee camps in South Sudan before coming to Australia in 2002 as an unaccompanied minor.
“People who are displaced are not just numbers,” says Mr Buol. “They are real people with dreams, hopes and aspirations that can be realised. It’s up to us to create meaningful impact by holding people’s hands, supporting them to rebuild their lives.”
“Humanity is limitless. The world is calling us to support people in need at this time. It’s time to reflect and be part of the movement.
“Young people can play an important role in shaping the future and making real change in the world for people who need it most.”
Since the Ration Challenge began in 2014, thousands of dedicated individuals have participated, raising more than $26.5 million to support refugees and displaced people.
“The Act For Peace Ration Challenge is exactly the kind of formational activity young people need today,” says Peter Branjerdporn from the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane.
“When I was a young Christian I knew about God’s saving grace for the world, but it wasn’t until I participated in a similar challenge at youth group that I started to feel how my faith could have any real impact in the world. Empathy leads to compassion. I encourage everyone, especially young people to take up this opportunity to transform faith into practical action this year!”
The Ration Challenge is an opportunity to empower young people to take practical action and share Christ’s love with people who are displaced around the world.
In caring for humankind together we’re acting for peace in the world.
To register for the Youth Group Ration Challenge, visit: https://church.rationchallenge.org.au/signup
To find out more information, visit: https://church.rationchallenge.org.au/