Financial Hardship
Specifics
- Level: Secondary (Years 9–12)
- Location: In school
- Attendees: 12–30 students
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: $200 + GST
Description
This workshop involves a high participation activity that simulates character life journeys to explore various experiences of financial hardship in Australia.
The Financial Hardship workshop aims to provide students with an understanding of the concept of poverty within the Australian context and acknowledges the various contributing factors and consequences of financial hardship. This workshop uses a simulation activity, where students will follow the financial journey of a character. Whie some of the characters’ stories touch on themes of cost-of-living pressure and employment challenges, the intention is for the activity to explore real-life scenarios so that safe, important and empathetic discussions can occur. We ensure that students are provided with the knowledge to seek welfare and wellbeing support. The activities and discussions in this workshop are designed to challenge stereotypes, and promote respect and understanding for the complex situations people can face. The purpose of this workshop is to begin conversations on social justice issues, as well as inspire students to rise up, speak up, and take action to help make a difference in their community now and into the future. Students will also learn about The Salvation Army support services for people in financial hardship.
Learning Outcomes
- Students come to understand the ways that The Salvation Army provides support to people experiencing hardship and poverty
- Students understand contributing factors of peoples’ experiences with poverty in Australia
- Students gain greater awareness of drivers of financial hardship
- Students can respond to common experiences of wealth fluctuation and financial hardship with empathy
- Students know where to seek support for themselves and others experiencing hardship
- Students are empowered with ways to take action on an individual and community level to positively contribute to their community
“The students found [the workshop] insightful and were surprised how quickly things changed. They were also surprised how many areas The Salvation Army were involved with. The packing of the hampers was also helpful in the practical sense of enabling a response to what they had heard”
— Teacher
Note: Costs
Some of our workshops are free while others have an associated cost. The workshop fee supports the delivery of the workshop and broader work of The Salvation Army. However, cost should not be a barrier to accessing the education within our workshops.
If your school is unable to pay the workshop fee, please discuss an alternative arrangement with our team when you make a booking.
Note: Content
Salvos Schools workshops often involve discussions on topics such as inequality, financial hardship, homelessness and other forms of social injustice. The workshops have been developed with sensitivity and safety in mind. Whilst conversations about experiences of hardship are essential for learning, growth and social change, some participants may find the content emotionally challenging. All workshops commence with notification that participation is voluntary. Throughout the sessions we endeavour to create a respectful, inclusive and safe space for social justice conversations and always provide reminders of where and how to access supports. Participants are welcome to seek support at any time. If you have any concerns or would like further information, please reach out to our team.