Poverty Immersion involved a group of Year 11 students who spent the week engaging with lifestyles under the poverty line – it was an unforgettable and rewarding experience. Students explored the diverse ways that poverty took its toll, and challenged the stereotypes linked with poverty. When we think of poverty, we think of homelessness due to the visual information we receive, but we never stop to think about the hardships faced by women, men, children and families sitting under the poverty line.
Over the course of the week, the students spent time at a variety of service providers around the Perth CBD and outer suburbs and met with people who provide these services. Guest presenters included Colin Krause from St Vincent De Paul and the wonderful Stacey from Big Issue; whilst activities were making lunch and providing care packs to a women’s hostel in East Perth, visiting St Vincent De Paul factory to help package blankets for youth centres, participate and cook for the Big Issue Soccer Tournament at Wellington Square, for which Mercedes College has a strong connection, and The Police Department conducted a “City after Dark” tour to raise street awareness.
It was such a rewarding program for all involved and the girls now have a new perspective on poverty and what they can do to help.
