UN asks residents to help feed world's starving children this Ramadan

The UN World Food Programme initiative hopes to raise funds during the holy month to help fight hunger across the Middle East. Courtesy WFP / Rein Skullerud

ABU DHABI // Thousands of impoverished children across the Middle East will not go hungry this Ramadan thanks to a campaign launched yesterday by the UN's World Food Programme.

The initiative hopes to raise funds during the holy month to help fight hunger across the region.

"The campaign aims at building a chain of solidarity across all Arab and non-Arab Muslim countries," said Elise Bijon, WFP's partnerships and business development manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

"It reminds us that for hundreds of thousands of families celebrating Ramadan around the world, iftar will be just a dream."

To encourage giving, the Rotary Clubs of the UAE will match any donations made online to the WFP.

"This means people have the chance to help twice the number of people with their donation," Ms Bijon said.

Last year the campaign raised enough funds to provide school meals to 400,000 children across the Middle East.

The WFP is hoping to help 800,000 youngsters this year.

"The money raised will help us reach out to children and their families wherever most needed around the world, in the spirit of universal solidarity that characterises Ramadan," Ms Bijon said.

"This is an ambitious target for an online campaign and we hope that many individual donors and companies will help us make it a reality and feed a hungry child."

According to the WFP, almost 900 million people do not have enough food to eat every day.

"Hunger is everyone's priority," Ms Bijon said. "It robs children of their potential and it harms their minds and bodies.

"More than any other time of the year, Ramadan, through the experience of fasting, offers us a chance to feel a connection with the hungry poor and do something about it."

The Rotary Clubs of the UAE are hoping to raise almost Dh400,000.

"A dedicated, worldwide print and online campaign will kick off at the beginning of the holy month in support of families who want to celebrate Ramadan but simply do not have enough food to break their fast," said Amelie Zegmout, the project leader.

"WFP has clear, transparent and definitive projects that help people who really need to be helped."

Donations can be made online at wfp.org/Ramadan