Beliefs and Actions in the World

Year 5 have been understanding the issues on poverty and unfairness in the world.

The Paper Bag Game

A quarter of the world’s population live in severe poverty. Many work long hours in poor conditions just to earn enough to stay alive, often surviving on less than £1.30 per day. With this money they have to pay for everything – food, clothes, somewhere to live, school and medicines when they get sick.

Many workers have no employer or regular wage. Instead they work as street vendors: shining shoes, selling newspaper or recycling waste materials. In the Indian city of Kolkata, some people earn a living making paper bags out of recycled waste paper – such as old newspapers – and selling them to shopkeepers.

Year 5 had got 20 minutes to make as many bags as they can. When they made 10 bags they had to sell them to the shopkeeper for 10 rupees.

What have you learnt playing 'The Paper Bag' Game 

"Some people have to not eat to get money."

"The people of Kolkata work very hard to get so little."