The Big Issue Classroom

The Big Issue Classroom is a chance for school groups to gain first-hand insights into social issues such as homelessness and disadvantage.

It is run by Australia’s leading social enterprise, The Big Issue, which develops programs and solutions to help people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage to positively change their lives.

Since 2009, more than 200,000 students nationally have taken part in The Big Issue Classroom. Workshops began in Canberra in 2017. Include a workshop in a Civics and Citizenship tour to help students ask the big questions in our nation’s capital. 

In our 1 hour, interactive workshops, students will:

•Participate in activities sparking discussions about fairness and diversity, needs and wants, happiness and wellbeing.

•Be inspired by the story of someone who has faced disadvantage.

•Discuss the importance of living in a supportive and connected community.

•Break down stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

•Explore issues around social justice and sustainability.

•Be encouraged to take positive action in their own lives and communities.

Workshops

Led by skilled facilitators, The Big Issue Classroom offers age-appropriate workshops for school students visiting Canberra. Workshops are held at locations in Canberra arranged to fit with your school's itinerary. Workshops can also be delivered via a user-friendly online video platform. The content of each workshop has been developed to meet the needs of different year groups:

Finding Belonging: Explorations of Disadvantage and Homelessness

Tailored for Years 5 – 6.

Discussions about Homelessness and Disadvantage

Tailored for Years 7 – 12.

Workshops are linked to the Australian Curriculum and are supported by follow-up materials for teachers and students. Every workshop booked provides a paid work opportunity for a guest speaker experiencing disadvantage.

➽Workshop costs $350+gst. Please note a 10% discount applies for bookings of 3 or more sessions

Find further information and details about other workshops at thebigissue.org.au/our-programs/education.