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Syrian refugee kids try Vegemite and attempt Aussie slang to promote Ration Challenge

Syrian refugees have tried Vegemite for the first time and attempted common Australian phrases to launch international aid agency Act for Peace’s annual Rational Challenge.

The Ration Challenge, a fundraising initiative where participants eat the same rations as a refugee for one week, has promoted the fundraiser by filming Syrian refugee children coining Australian phrases such as “no worries”, “G’day mate”, “cheers” and “she’ll be right”.


In another video, which has been created by the in-house team at Act for Peace, Syrian refugees try Vegemite for the first time.

Karen McGrath, Ration Challenge co-founder and global marketing manager at Act for Peace, said she feels sick thinking about the small amount of food refugees live off and the challenge is an opportunity for Australians to show refugees they support them.

“The challenge is a practical, empowering and meaningful way in which Australians can raise funds for Syrian refugees living in Jordan and in other parts of the world.

“The funds raised from the challenge supports Syrian refugees in Jordan and in other conflict and disaster affected families around the world, by providing them with the food, medicine and psychosocial support they urgently need to survive.

“It’s an important conversation starter – the challenge makes you want to talk to family and friends about it and take action to create a more compassionate and just society.”


McGrath said part of the digital strategy is to share content centred around different themes and help Australians connect with Syrian refugees as much as possible.

“The Vegemite video engages people in a light-hearted way, and shows kids simply being kids, with their different likes and dislikes, while using Vegemite to connect Syrian kids with Aussies. The ‘Kids saying Aussie phrases’ video came while taking a break in the field from doing some more serious interviews. The video is reflection of the fun we had with the kids trying out typical Aussie slang and sayings – some of them were easier than others.”

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