Homelessness excursion
Wandering in the wilderness – walking the walk
Year 9 Masa Bamidbar – Homelessness excursion – מסע במדבר
The weather was perfect on Tuesday 23 March 2021 for deeply contemplating homelessness. Year 9 students braved the elements to catch public transport to the venues. Half the year then walked for well over an hour, with the wind and rain as constant companions, absorbing the guided tours of homelessness and vulnerability in Darlinghurst and Kings Cross, and the difficult yet inspiring personal stories of Rough Edges (formerly homeless) guides, Tony and Grace. The other half took part in the Cook4Good program, run by Kids Giving Back, and then felt the power of helping others directly by bringing the meals with them to Rough Edges when the two groups swapped over mid-day.
In all, the students prepared almost 550 meals of fresh and nutritious sandwiches, wraps and salads, and took with them life lessons and vicarious life experiences that they will remember for years to come.
Here is a selection of student reflections kindly shared from the Kids Giving Back surveys:
Having someone that has previously been homeless talk to us, was really eye opening and so amazing to hear their personal stories.
I see what it’s like to be homeless and how some people don’t have a choice. Also, how for some people, being homeless makes them more free than living in a house.
I understand that without others help and perseverance to do so these people may not reach out for help.
With both the walk and cook, it made me see from the perspective of someone in need, giving me an understanding of what it’s like to be someone on the streets.
I got to see other people’s lives from different perspectives and not just the overall idea of being homeless, but what happens behind the scenes (such as what people face, e.g. abuse, assault, crime, etc)
Jaz’s story was really inspiring, and I found that I understood how quickly peoples’ life can change and how quickly people can go from a fortunate place to homeless.
My stigma of homelessness has changed, and I have learnt about different situations.
I understand that lots of people have been through a lot more than you can see on an initial average meeting. I also understand that small gestures such as a simple hello or a short conversation can brighten up a person’s day exponentially.
I understand more about what it means to be vulnerable and about the process of becoming and getting out of being homeless
I liked walking as we could see what was being described to us. It made me feel more connected to the stories by walking through them.
After making and packing each individual meal I began to think how fortunate I am myself to be getting all 3 meals of the day, while some people that are experiencing homelessness (might) only get one or none.
I loved cooking and hearing Jess’ story. There was nothing I didn’t like and would definitely consider volunteering if I am allowed and recommending these programs to my friends and peers.
I loved everything, I found it cool how the chef showed us how to prepare the food and I took some knowledge about how to prep out of this experience as well.
This is an impactful and important learning experience that others need to participate in to wake themselves up.
From all of Year 9
