By ANEEKA SIMONIS
A GROUP of Pakenham student got a glimpse into the lives of others less fortunate then themselves at a recent urban-living experience in Fitzroy.
Year 9 students from Beaconhills College spent three days living at the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Coolibah Centre in Fitzroy, which helps older adults struggling with homelessness, disability, social and financial disadvantage, as part of an urban camp program.
During their time at camp, students slept on the floor and shared limited facilities.
They worked in groups to develop a lunch menu for the centre’s clients, shopped for ingredients at the local supermarket, then prepared, cooked and helped serve the food.
They also helped students at a local primary school in their literacy program and visited the Housing Commission flats in Brunswick Street.
Students Blake and Lilly said the camp made them realise that people from all walks of life can fall on hard times.
“The stereotypical idea of a homeless person is someone living on the streets, on drugs, but there are so many different reasons why people become homeless,” Lilly said.
Blake said he was struck by how quickly a person’s fortunes could turn around: “I really learnt how far bad luck can go”.
The camp program was developed in line with one of Beaconhills’ key ‘Learning that Matters’ principles of citizenship and service.
In addition to the camp, Year 9 students are due to take part in a ‘Common Good’ project which is aimed at extending their sense of global awareness.
In the past, students have raised funds for the college’s sister schools in East Timor and Bangladesh, supported a charity of their choice or volunteered in other parts of the community such as soup kitchens.
