30 Hour Famine 2025: The Walk to Freedom 

On 7 September 2025, 30 Hour Famine returned as a cozy and intimate rendition with secondary and pre-tertiary students gathered, experiencing a glimpse of what life is like for millions of children and their families who have been forced to leave their homes due to conflict. 

Partnering with Youth Corps Singapore, the event took place at The Red Box, with a core youth volunteer team who journeyed with World Vision Singapore in ideating and executing this year’s 30 Hour Famine: The Walk to Freedom.  

The event opened with WVS CEO Benjamin sharing about the long and global history of 30 Hour Famine and its relation to youths in Singapre , Participants then took off for the experential activities before a closing sharing by  Eu-Lee Chng from World Vision US on his experience working with displaced communities, and how youths in Singapore can make a real difference. 

One participant An Murakami shares her experience in the activities in The Walk to Freedom:  

When I joined the 30-Hour Famine this year, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I was prepared for the hunger, but what surprised me most were the activity stations. Each was fun and exciting, yet every challenge carried a deeper meaning. They didn’t just test our teamwork — they gave us a glimpse into the struggles that displaced families experience every day. 

The first challenge my team completed was The Waiting Line, where we had to work together to reach the end of a simulated food ration queue. We lined up shoulder to shoulder with a balloon wedged between us. Moving along a designed route without dropping the balloon was harder than it looked. The pressure of trying to reach the end quickly, while depending on each other’s balance and cooperation, reminded me of the anxiety real families face when queueing for food rations. My team actually failed many times at the start of the game, and I was actually worrying that we might not “make it” in time. It made me reflect on the uncertainty many displaced families endure daily, never knowing if they’ll return home with enough food. 

Photo: The Waiting Line

Next was Hands of Hope, my most favourite activity. It was a creative activity where we used DIY play dough to shape soaps. We were judged on the quality of our designs, and points were given accordingly. On the surface, it felt like a light-hearted break, but I realised how meaningful it was. For many displaced women and families, livelihood projects like soap-making or tailoring are a lifeline. Beyond providing income, they restore dignity and independence, offering a chance to rebuild hope in the middle of crisis. 

Photo: Hands of Hope

The Water Walk was one of the most physically challenging. Our team had to carry a jerry can full of water tied to ropes, navigating across stations that had mini tasks — like moving in circles, walking backwards, or crouching down. Keeping the water from spilling while communicating under pressure was frustrating, and we lost points whenever water sloshed out. The experience made me think about children and youths in conflict zones who spend hours walking to fetch water, often missing school in the process. For them, this exhausting task isn’t a game — it’s a necessity. 

Photo: Water Walk

Finally, we went for Fuel for Survival, where each of us drew a “disadvantage card.” Some of us had to cover our eyes, others had to restrict our movements. Then we had to collect pieces of charcoal and wood, tying them into sets before time ran out. Carrying heavy loads while impaired was tiring, and I couldn’t help but think about the women and children who do this every day — gathering firewood and fuel while facing exhaustion, injuries, and even danger. It gave me a sobering perspective on how much effort is required just to cook a meal or boil water in some refugee camps. 

Photo: Fuel for Survival

What I loved most about the 30-Hour Famine Challenge was how the games went beyond simply being fun activities. They combined play with reflection in a way that made every moment meaningful. On the surface, we were laughing, cheering, and trying to score points, but beneath that, each challenge pushed us to think about what life would be like if those scenarios were real. That balance made the experience unforgettable. 

The activities also created space for genuine connection. I grew much closer to my group through the shared struggles — whether it was the hunger setting in, the frustration of losing points, or the joy of finally completing a task together. We had to rely on one another, communicate clearly, and encourage each other when things got tough. By the end, it felt like we weren’t just teammates for a day; we were a community that had learned something important together. 

What stayed with me most were the lessons about resilience, patience, and survival. The small challenges we faced in a safe, controlled setting gave me just a glimpse of what displaced families live through every day — waiting in uncertainty, working under pressure, and carrying burdens much heavier than balloons or jerry cans. It made me reflect deeply on the privileges I often take for granted, like access to clean water, stable meals, and a secure home. 

More than just a challenge, the 30-Hour Famine was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the strength of communities living through hardship. Their resilience and determination are humbling, and it reminded me of the importance of empathy and action. 

If I have the opportunity, I would definitely join the 30-Hour Famine again. It was meaningful, eye-opening, and has left me with a lasting perspective on both gratitude and responsibility. I know that the lessons I carried away from these 30 hours will stay with me far longer than the event itself. 

Photo: Participants leaving their messages of hope and solidarity