Heather Latter
Grade 7 and 8 students at St. Francis School here and Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton marked the beginning of Lent last week by participating in a student leadership initiative called “THINKfast,” a 25-hour educational and fundraising fast.
A popular youth activity conducted by Development and Peace, a Catholic organization working with impoverished people in Africa and South America, the student forum brought “youth leaders together to explore the causes of poverty and social injustices.”
“It will inspire them to learn how they can make a difference in their school, home, community, and in their world,” explained Amy LaFroy, Catholicity co-ordinator for the Northwest Catholic District School Board.
She noted “THINKfast” empowers youth to live out their faith and make socially-responsible decisions about how they live their lives.
The event, which took place last Thursday at St. Francis, was led by LaFroy and student leaders Joseph Wenzell and Justin Mastrangelo, who are Development and Peace District Ambassadors from Thunder Bay.
“It helps kids become more aware of situations in Third World countries,” explained Mastrangelo, noting they discussed topics such as responsible mining, poverty, and pollution.
“The focus is solidarity, so they fast and experience what it’s like to live in a Third World country,” added Wenzell.
They noted the day featured videos and presentations about the topics, then were incorporated with an activity.
“We try to get in some physical activity to help keep them interested,” he reasoned.
Mastrangelo said the students responded very well to the “THINKfast” initiative, noting the group was “exceptionally well-behaved.”
“They sat, listened, and asked questions,” echoed Wenzell. “And they were really inspired to go out and make a difference in whatever way they can.”
Some of the ways the students were making a difference was using reusable containers.
“Instead of purchasing bottles of water, many have switched to reusable bottles,” Wenzell said, adding most students also brought reusable dishes for the small solidarity meal they had that day.
“They ate broth and rice—something they would eat in Third World countries,” explained Mastrangelo.
Aside from the small solidarity lunch, the students also were encouraged to begin their fast the night before and continue it through the day.
The “THINKfast” forum also included a fundraising aspect, with the students collecting pledges from the community, family, and friends.
“All the money that they’re collecting will go to support countries in the Horn of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America,” said LaFroy.
“The campaign this year is ecological justice, so they will help support small-scale farmers in the Global South.”
She added the students learned throughout the day about how they can help.
“And they really enjoyed it,” LaFroy enthused. “They had time to reflect and you could see it on their faces that they were listening.
“It was fun and educational.
“I think it was a really good lesson that they’ll carry on with,” she added.
Intermediate students at Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout also took part in the “THINKfast” initiative last week while St. Patrick’s School in Atikokan will participate in the forum this Friday.
