NRS Relief provides relief products for Empathy Action’s refugee simulation
In order to help facilitate an immersive refugee simulation, NRS Relief provided its family tent and various core relief items to UK-based NGO, Empathy Action. Dubbed as ‘Desperate Journeys’, Empathy Action’s interactive workshop was launched last month to build understanding and action for the biggest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.
According to the latest UNHCR report, an unprecedented 68.5 million people around the world have been forced from home, with 25.4 million refugees and 52% of whom are under 18.
The relief products that we donated to Empathy Action were:
- 1 pc. Viva™ family tent
- 1 pc. 4 x 60 m tarpaulin roll
- 20 pcs. UNHCR standard sleeping mats
- 20 pcs. blankets
- 20 pcs. 10L collapsible jerry cans
- 3 pcs. water bucket.
Put together, these aid essentials are crucial in immediately alleviating the suffering of those who are forcibly displaced due to conflict or natural disasters.
Held within a maze-like set in a 12 x 18-metre large hall, the simulation explored the global refugee crisis by tracking the journey of a family forced from their home in a war-torn country. It was a challenging piece based firmly on facts, first-hand accounts and case studies to bring home to those taking part the human stories behind the headlines.
Image credit: @empathy_action on Instagram
The immersive experience was designed for up to 25 participants at a time, who were guided through it by their cast members. The workshop lasted for 70 minutes, including briefing and a reflective feedback and discussion session.
“By running such simulations, we aim to deepen understanding of the greatest refugee crisis since the Second World War and give rise to a heartfelt desire to take action,” said Ben Solanky, founder of Empathy Action.
Watch this 360-degree video made by Mr. Solanky together with his colleague, Sandy Glanfield, to give you a peek inside the tent during the immersive experience (click and drag for a 360-view):