World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

How would you feel if a celebrity came to visit for a friendly chat? How about three celebrities? Dwayne Anling (left), Duane Stephenson (center) and Aston "Family Man" Barrett (right) from famous reggae group The Wailers visited Flor's house, a modest Colombian refugee home in Esmeraldas city. There are more than 50,000 Colombian refugees in Ecuador, and 8,000 of them live in the Esmeraldas province. The Wailers tell the world about malnutrition and its terrible consequences; WFP aids vulnerable people like these Colombian refugees to improve their nutrition with the monthly distribution of food rations. Not having to worry about where their food will come from leaves extra time to look for a job, an in the long run helps them to adapt and integrate.

The Wailers tell the world about malnutrition and its terrible consequences; WFP assists vulnerable people like these Colombian refugees to improve their nutrition with the monthly distribution of food rations. Not having to worry about where their food will come from leaves extra time to look for a job, and in the long run helps them to adapt and integrate.

Heading home with this month's ration, which will be of great help for improving the nutrition of the whole family. In Esmeraldas, home to the most important Afro-community in Ecuador, WFP monthly rations are delivered by partner organization HIAS to 1556 participating families (6224 people), including refugees and vulnerable members of the host communities. They receive rice, pulses, flour and oil. Esmeraldas in in the Ecuadorian northern border, and that is the reason why it hosts a large number of Colombian people fleeing violence in their country.

Ecuador meets Jamaica: Wailers Duane and Dwayne try the marimba, the most representative musical instrument of Afro-Ecuadorian culture.

Wailers Aston Barrett and Duane Stephenson danced La Caderona with much grace.

In Esmeraldas, Mayor Ernesto Estupinan gave The Wailers and WFP Representative mini marimbas, tokens of Afro-Ecuadorian culture. From left to right, Lawrence, Duane, Deborah Hines, Mr. Estupinan, Dwayne and Aston.

Aside from visiting WFP activities, our Celebrity Partners took a peek at the Pacific at Esmeraldas. Warm climate, green surroundings, and warm-hearted people greeted them. Here The Wailers and the WFP staff pose for the family photo. From left to right, Juan Pablo Salazar from partner HIAS; Maria Fernanda Viteri, WFP volunteer; Wailers assistant Lawrence Wilson; Wailers Dwayne Anling and Aston "Family Man" Barrett; WFP Representative Deborah Hines; Wailer Duane Stephenson and WFP driver Luis Yanchatipan.

The Wailers touched the hearts of their fans, but also of Ecuador's most vulnerable people, especially in Esmeraldas.