Don’t be surprised to see groups of young people gathering to move water over long distances at school playing fields, or eating one simple meal of ugali during a 24 hour period, or any one of a range of activities designed to bring them closer to the plight of more than four million South Sudanese who have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing conflict and food insecurity.

This weekend, 3-5 May, marks the official launch of the 2019 Caritas Challenge. The Caritas Challenge is an annual event for schools and youth groups around New Zealand to demonstrate solidarity with those living with poverty or injustice.

Thousands of students have already registered for the 2019 Challenge and more are expected. This weekend schools and youth groups in Auckland, Christchurch and Wanaka are doing their Challenge events.

“Caritas Challenge is a great way for people to work together, have fun, learn more about a very different country and raise funds for a great cause” says Julianne Hickey, CEO of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Last year we had more than 8,000 young people take part in the Challenge and together they raised more than $50,000 to support the women's livelihood organisation, Hamahon Feto Timor (HAFOTI) that Caritas partners with in Timor Leste” said Mrs Hickey.

This year we are raising funds for South Sudan. An introductory video clip explains the 2019 Challenge and can be found here: https://caritas.org.nz/caritas-challenge
It’s not too late to get involved. To register for this year’s Challenge go to: https://caritas.org.nz/caritas-challenge/caritas-challenge-registration

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