English and Humanities

Year 11 Big Issue Excursion Reflections

On Monday, October 28th the Year 11 Texts and Traditions and Religion and Society students visited the Melbourne CBD to develop a greater understanding of the homelessness in our city. They were first briefed on the good works and achievements of the Big Issue magazine and then listened to the stories of some of their vendors. The honest and open attitudes of the men and women that shared their stories, raised the girls’ awareness of how misinformed we are of the homeless. The students then visited Crossways, a low-cost restaurant welcoming all and providing a hearty meal for those who find it. To conclude the day students were encouraged to walk through Bourke Street Mall to buy a copy of the Big Issue and engage in conversations with the vendors, to break-down the stigma attached to homelessness. As part of their focus on texts as authority, students were able to consider a passage of scripture that underpins the work of the Big Issue. In this case, students were reminded to love their neighbour as themselves (Luke 10:27).

The following reflections were submitted by the students:

What was one thing that confronted you on the excursion?

Seeing homeless people on the streets begging for money with their animals was really confronting. In the past, I wouldn't have noticed them, whereas afterward the excursion I felt guilty that I could not give back and help them out in some way.  Joanne Joy

What confronted me was the way people treat marginalised people. I never paid attention to it before but after Peter's talking and discussion about The Big Issue during class, I took notice of the lack of eye contact and ignoring of their issues. Tamara Narcis

When my partner and I went to buy our Big Issue magazine, the vendor didn't have change and we had $10 on us. We both without thought decided to tell her to keep the change. It really struck me at that moment, that for us $1 is such a tiny amount but for that vendor, that could've got her an extra coffee or a sanitary product. Our small contribution can change an individual's life. We realised that saying hello or even smiling at them can make their day. Jerina Fernando

What did you notice about the homeless in Melbourne?

The homeless in Melbourne are all very different from one another. When walking around I feel as if some of the homeless were in a better situation than others, I know that is a very upfront thing to say but at the same time I feel as if people's hearts go out to all the homeless on the streets, I feel as if even though people don't acknowledge them when walking past they still take that initial glance and think to themselves "I could help them but then just keep walking".  Liana Dickson

Many of the homeless people in Melbourne had signs that told their story as well as people that were begging for money and for help. These people all looked as though they had been through severe trauma or hardship no matter their own personal story. Samara Romero

There were quite a few homeless people out in day sleeping on the street, some people had signs and I noticed that one man was begging while no one was giving him a chance. Grace Wilson

How can you spread the 'good news' of the The Big Issue?

By bringing awareness through it with talking about it with my family. Going to the city we could spend money buying a magazine knowing its for a good cause. Roshni Ravi

By spreading the good news of The Big Issue, it should be discussed on high social media platforms more. Cynthia Kyaw

I can spread the good news of the big issue through telling my family or those I know who work in the city to be more aware of the big issue vendors and to buy or even say hi to those selling.  Dzung Truong

How does the mission of The Big Issue connect to the Killester College 2019 theme of Hospitality?

The Big Issue's mission connects to our theme of Hospitality due to both having the motive of helping others and giving back to those who are in need of support and help either financially, mentally or health wise.  Chaliena Ta

Hospitality is accepting and welcoming. The Big Issue provided homeless people the chance to earn money and be more connected to the world and society. It connects to this year's theme because the Big Issue accepts all and does not discriminate. It provides them the opportunity to become a better self. Mandy Quach

The Big Issue provides homeless people with working opportunity, and the ability to interact with society, to reduce the feeling of being an outcast. Hospitality involves opening doors for people, the Big issue achieves this by providing homeless people with a means of income, of which they can purchase food and necessities to survive. Rosina Pachi