During the past four months the Youths for a United World from Costa Rica launched in their country the Skip a Meal campaign to collect funds for this African region, where over 12 million persons live in a dramatic situation caused by the exceptional drought.

The young people organized two cultural events where famous musicians and personalities from their country participated. Both events were a combination of music, poetry, personal experiences and audiovisual presentations that brought the participants closer to the reality of the African soul. Skip a meal was mainly inspired by their desire to collaborate to build a more united world; above all, they wanted to love the others in a concrete way by sending financial help from the proceeds of the tickets sold for these artistic events.

“It was really an unusual experience,” they shared. “The excitement and enthusiasm, the commitment, the love for this face of Jesus crucified and abandoned and the certainty of His presence among us were the ingredients essential to our preparation, during which we became aware of a magnificent reality: not only were we helping Africa, but Africa was helping us.

“Through collaboration with various companies and organizations we were provided food, infrastructure, and mass media coverage that allowed us to spread the initiative and involve youths and adults who identify themselves with this cause. All this became an occasion to promote the idea of a united world.

“We have also started a direct relationship with the Youths for a United World of Kenya, who wrote to us: ‘Thanks a lot for Skip a meal; we are enthusiastic knowing that Costa Rica is united with us in facing these difficult challenges that also signify a suffering for humanity.’ “Skip a Meal is not only a beneficent activity, but an experience of reciprocal enrichment, of sharing, and the opportunity to enter into African culture. We realize that sharing our abilities with the ‘Other’ we can transcend space and overcome differences, as well as geographical, ethnic and cultural separation. Skip a Meal made us realize that two completely different cultures can unite, understand each other and help one another: ‘I am because we are.’ (Ubuntu philosophy). We are all part of this worldwide net of unity that is being woven. It is up to us to continue to work to build up a new humanity.”

Youth for a United World
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