The work,
she says, is highly rewarding. “I’ve been with The Big Issue since May
this year. We visit schools each week and sometimes student groups come to meet
us here.” Since moving into the new premises, The Big Issue has hosted
workshops in its own classroom space (previously, meetings were held at the
Redfern Community Centre). Training of vendors also takes place on site.
Vendors are prepared for roles as Guest Speakers in schools. As of early 2012,
e-Classroom facilities will enable communication with students from all over
the country.
Ms Brooks,
who has a background in education, estimates that workshops have involved more
than 1,500 students over the past seven months. Most come from years 8-11. “We
usually start by examining some stereotypes of homelessness,” she says. “Kids
often assume that a homeless person is a man with an unkempt beard, old clothes
and so on. The reality is that there are all kinds of people affected by
homelessness. Kids are surprised how many women and children under 12 are
homeless.” There are currently about 10,000 homeless children under 12 years of
age in Australia.
The workshops
help students to understand some of the causes of homelessness. Family
breakdown and poverty are critical factors. “We point out that people are
homeless due to circumstances beyond their control. Children do not choose to
be disadvantaged,” Ms Brooks says. “Guest Speakers are prepared and paid for
their time,” she explains. “It’s good to see them developing their skills –
public speaking and other skills that will assist toward future employment.”
Students
are encouraged to ask questions of Guest Speakers. According to Ms Brooks, they
frequently want to know what they can do in response to homelessness. “Students
learn that they can acknowledge homeless people as people – they can treat them
with respect, smile and say hello.”
No doubt
many become avid readers and supporters of the quality magazine.
The Big Issue Classroom is currently operating in
Sydney (and Melbourne) and will be delivered online via an e-Classroom workshop
from early 2012. For all bookings and enquiries visit
www.thebigissue.org.au or contact Melissa Brooks on 02
9319 6300; mbrooks@bigissue.org.au
Photo:
Peter Holcroft Vendor
Glenn Pilley is a Vendor and Guest Speaker on homelessness
Source: South Sydney Herald December 2011 www.southsydneyherald.com.au