Is it possible to make hunger history?

That’s the question Gorta is posing to people all over the world in a new web and video initiative: MakeHungerHistory.org

“Most development organisations would consider part of their job to be informing the public about the challenges faced by communities in the Developing World” notes Brian Hanratty, gorta CEO. “However, this exciting and insightful new project is a forum where the general public can feed back to us what they think about the issue of global hunger.

"With almost one in seven people now going hungry, we want to get people thinking and talking a little more about what is the most critical challenge in our world".

The new website already features videos of people from Ireland and many countries in Africa, South America and Asia, giving their view on whether or not it’s possible to eradicate the persistent problem of hunger from the planet.

Featured among the contributors is Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who joined gorta CEO Brian Hanratty aboard replica Famine ship, the Jeanie Johnston, on Dublin Docklands last week to launch the website.

"There is nothing else in the history of the Irish people that can be likened to the Great Famine, either for its immediate impact or its legacy,” noted Ó Cuív, “Many people in the world still suffer from famine and hunger and we must use our experience and empathy to raise awareness of their plight."

gorta is inviting the public to join the debate now by logging on to the site and making your voice heard.

Also taking place in Skibbereen on Sunday is the National Famine Commemoration Day 2009. Several gorta representatives will give public talks, including one entitled ‘Reflections on Famine’ by Richard Flockhart, gorta Programmes Manager, who has been working on gorta’s overseas programmes for over 20 years.

"gorta was proud to be contributing to the Famine Commemoration in Skibbereen." said Hanratty, “This event affords us the opportunity to remember all those who died during our own Gorta Mór as well as reflecting on the fact that almost one billion people are enduring that same tragic experience today."

On Sunday, gorta hosts a special Recognition event for its local volunteers. Deirdre Fox, Chairman of gorta and Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will be present to formally and publicly thank the volunteers who contribute to the work of the organisation.