On Monday 17 November, the school organised ‘The World at Lunch’. This event attempts to illustrate the disparity of wealth and food in the world in a simple, but striking way. Girls and staff were assigned randomly to different countries, and the lunch provided reflected the population and realities of life in that country. A tiny proportion sat at a smartly laid table, and enjoyed a three-course meal with waitress service. A slightly larger number sat at a long wooden table and were served a simple but substantial meal. The majority sat on the floor and collected a communal meal of rice and water.
No prior information was given out, and there were many and varied reactions from students and staff to this graphic illustration of the uncomfortable fact that a large proportion of the world’s population does not share in the world’s wealth. An overhead screen showed a series of images of average families from around the world, photographed with the food they would buy for one week and the cost. The images moved from the USA and Europe, and on through the ever poorer nations, illustrating not only the poverty of some parts our world, but the waste which has become a part of others.
World charities and aid organisations would recognise many of the comments as reflecting the real life issues of immigration and conflict with which they deal on a daily basis. One girl managed to ‘emigrate’ from Ethiopia to Mexico. ‘I emigrated because I wanted a chair, a plate and a meal.’ Reassuringly, there was understanding of the message: ‘We sit at that top table every day of our lives and don’t think about who is sitting on the floor.’ and also a spirit of compassion amongst the girls. Bread rolls and fruit from the 1st world table were being passed on to other groups even before the starters were finished.
Staff organised discussion groups after the event, and it will be the topic of conversation amongst students for days.
Cobham Hall is an independent boarding and day school for girls, with has around 200 students aged 11 to 18.