Smartphone users in the Arabic-speaking world can help feed Syrian refugee children in Lebanon with just a tap on their mobile phones through the ShareTheMeal application.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched the ShareTheMeal app to help feed Syrian children during Ramadan.
Available on IoS and Android, ShareTheMeal users can ‘share’ their meals while breaking their day-long fast with their families. For a donation as little as 30p, WFP can provide a child with nutrition for a whole day.
“Every cultural and religious tradition in the world teaches us to care for the less privileged and to share what we have. The launch of the app in Arabic provides people in the Arabic-speaking world with an easy way to do good deeds and share meals during the holy month of Ramadan, the month of generosity and giving,” said Dominik Heinrich, WFP Lebanon Country Director and Representative.
Since the launch of the English version of the app last year, more than 500,000 users worldwide have provided the equivalent of more than 5.6 million daily food rations to the poorest and hungriest around the world. The app has received several awards for its design and innovative character, including Google who named it as one of the Best Apps of 2015.
Syrian refugee families in Lebanon receive food assistance through electronic vouchers or “ecards”. Money raised through ShareTheMeal’s fundraising goal will cover the rations for a full year for 1,400 Syrian children aged 3-4 years living in Beirut.
The children’s parents will receive funds transferred to their regular WFP e-cards, allowing them to buy the food they want in local shops, which also supports host communities and the economy. The Arabic version of the app comes as ShareTheMeal plans to reach a zero-hunger future by engaging as many smartphone users as possible.
With the launch in Arabic-speaking countries, a potential market of 117 million smartphone users will be able to download ShareTheMeal from app stores.
Monty Munford has more than 15 years' experience in mobile, digital media, web and journalism. He is the founder of Mob76, a company that helps tech companies raise money and exit. He speaks regularly at global media events with a focus on Africa, writes a weekly column for The Telegraph, is a regular contributor to The Economist, Wired, Mashable and speaks regularly on the BBC World Service.
