MORE than 500 primary pupils from 20 schools had a taste of the unequal global food distribution during the 'Children Hunger Banquet 1995' held at the Hong Kong True Light Middle School last week.
By a random draw, 15 per cent of them - representing the world's rich - were chosen to enjoy a luxurious banquet, while another 25 per cent, representing the middle-income people, had a simple meal. But, the majority just sat on the floor and had only a slice of bread and little water.
The hunger banquet was co-organised by Oxfam Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union.
Mr Pun Tin-chi, vice-president (Internal Affairs) of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union, said: 'The event is aimed at raising students' awareness of problems Third World people face daily, such as hunger, poverty and inequality.
'It will also enable students to learn and appreciate what they have and increase their concern for the hunger-stricken.' According to Oxfam, the Northern Hemisphere has only one quarter of the total world population, but enjoys 80 per cent of the resources. The remaining three quarters of the population in developing countries share just 20 per cent of the world's resources.
In addition, a total of six million people are affected by hunger-related diseases each day.
