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, best-known for The Big Issue magazine. Vendors experiencing homelessness and disadvantage have earned more than $31 million selling The Big Issue in the past 25 years.

More than 135,000 students have taken part in The Big Issue Classroom, which launched 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. 

Students will:

• Participate in activities that spark discussion 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.

Available workshops

Workshops run for one hour and are held at a central location in Canberra. 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 and 6.

Discussions about Homelessness and Disadvantage

Tailored for Years 7 to 12.

Workshops contain links to the Australian Curriculum and are supported by resource materials which are made available to teachers after the session. Every workshop booked provides a paid work opportunity to a guest speaker experiencing disadvantage.

Find further information and details about other workshops at thebigissue.org.au.

WORKSHOP COSTS $320 + GST

Please note a 10% discount applies for bookings of three or more sessions.