When we were in Brindisi, one of the highlights was our visit to the World Resource Center for the United Nations' program known at the World Food Program. It is a program that mainly responds to national emergencies (such as earthquakes, mudslides, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc) all around the world, providing resources like tents, vacuum packed food, energy crackers, rafts, blankets, medical supplies, etc. By mandate, the WFP was created to bring food to those in need. For the longer term, the World Food Program, along with some programs that other particular countries have, work together to educate communities, and provide them resources for further development of a community in need. It amazes me that only 20 people work there, and yet they have helped so many people around the world!!! It is amazing how quickly they can get out a shipment - all within 24 - 48 hours of a world disaster. Due to Brindisi's location on the sea, as well as the WFP being based beside the local airstrip, they have the ability to get things out where they need to go, quickly!
We were lucky to have this tour arranged by Enzo, one of the Rotarians of the Brindisi Club, and the current Director of the World Food Program in Brindisi. Brindisi and the Humanitarian Respose Depot there serves as a model for other regional sites that they are currently building in places like Dubai, Panama, Accra (Ghana), and Malaysia. We were so fortunate, and really learned a lot by getting such a personal tour, and seeing all of the supplies ready to be shipped.
Just a few logistics for you:
- every 5 seconds, a child dies of hunger
- WFP is the world's largest humanitarian aid foundation
- WFP has 30 ships, 3000 trucks, and 100 aircraft
- they construct warehouses, build bridges, repair railroads...whatever it takes to deliver food to the hungry
What a fantastic experience for our Group Study Exchange Team, to learn about a fantastic service program that is truly making a difference in the world. I think it clearly demonstrates the Rotary motto: Service Above Self! Thanks Enzo, Pino, and Marta! All the best to you always! And thanks again to our sponsoring Rotary Clubs, and the Rotary Foundation! You have opened our eyes to many new places and experiences!
