What is ‘Live Below the Line’?

Live Below the Line, running from the 2nd till the 6th of August 2010, is a new awareness and fundraising campaign designed to help Australians understand the challenges faced by those currently living in extreme poverty.

Internationally, the Extreme Poverty Line is defined as US$1.25 a day – the equivalent of $2 in Australia. 1.4 billion people in our world currently live below this line – lacking the basic choices and opportunities that most Australians take for granted.

This August, The Global Poverty Project and The Oaktree Foundation are inviting Australians to feed themselves with just $2 a day – to better understand the obstacles inherent in extreme poverty – and to raise money for life-changing education programs.

The Global Poverty Project are fundraising for a Poverty Education Program in Australian schools – to educate students about extreme poverty and give them the knowledge and resources they need to become leaders in the movement to end extreme poverty. Funds raised will be used to train additional presenters and reach an additional 50,000 Australian students in the next 12 months!

The Oaktree Foundation are raising funds for a new education initiative in Cambodia. In this nation ripped apart by a war and genocide, over 85% of young people don’t even start secondary school, and even then the quality of education is extremely poor. We’re investing in an innovative new model of education that’s set to change the lives of 1350 Cambodian school students, and revolutionise education throughout the country. We’re opening three schools and working to ensure every child has the chance to go to school.

Disclaimer: The organisers of Live Below the Line do not undertake responsibility for the health and safety of those participating in the challenge.  Medical advice should be sought prior to, and reasonable precautions taken during the challenge. The challenge should be ceased immediately should you be feeling unwell.