Sundre High students gain empathy and firsthand insight into homelessness

Students from Sundre High School have returned from a field trip to Calgary, with a deeper understanding of the causes and impacts of homelessness. The school took 21 students in Grades 9 to 12 to the Mustard Seed in Calgary on May 22, for a life changing experience.

“This is an experience that is humbling and eye opening,” says Shauna Rodbourne, teacher, Sundre High School. “We all experience challenges in our lives, but when you walk a mile in the shoes of a person experiencing homelessness, it makes you appreciate what you have. It also deepens your empathy for people who face homelessness, and it challenges perceptions about why homelessness occurs.” 

“This is a passion project for me,” says Rodbourne, who has taught at four Chinook’s Edge schools, over the past 14 years. Rodbourne started taking students from Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs to the Mustard Seed four years ago, for the experience of learning about homelessness. This is her first year teaching at Sundre High School and she knew she wanted to offer students there the opportunity as well. 

“It started with a dynamic group of leadership students who wanted to make a difference. Their idea was to serve at a soup kitchen,” she says. “When I learned about the day experience offered through the Mustard Seed, I knew it would be an amazing experience. I have always been impressed by how students respond. They are open minded and empathetic.” 

The experience involves in-classroom instruction at the Mustard Seed for an hour in the morning, which reviews statistics about homelessness, and deepens understanding about people who experience that condition. It addresses stigmas and stereotypes.

In the afternoon, students are given a persona of someone experiencing homelessness and tasks to do related to their persona. For instance, they are tasked with collecting $2 worth of bottles and cans and have to find a bottle depot to take them to. Also, students might be asked to figure out how to seek a legal pardon, find a temporary employment agency, or find an alcoholics anonymous / gamblers anonymous meeting, or to visit Cash Corner - a location where individuals can be hired for temporary labour jobs.

“Students often experience frustration with these tasks,” says Rodbourne. “They also figure out how to respond. They learn how to talk with people and work together. It deepens their empathy.” 

Additionally, students are asked to sit in the Plus 15 system, a walkway that connects office buildings in downtown Calgary. “Usually within 15 minutes they are asked to move,” says Rodbourne, “and in the meantime, they experience people who look at them with a disgusted look or also people who ignore them. It can be very eye opening for students.” 

After the afternoon of activities, students return to the Mustard Seed for a meal together and a debrief about their experiences. 

At Sundre High, students were invited to participate in the field trip if there was interest. Brooklyn M., a Grade 12 student, says she wanted to attend because she is going into the medical profession. “I thought it would be interesting and helpful to see what people actually go through,” she says.

“It was a really eye opening experience to see that,” says Brooklyn. “People sometimes assume people are homeless because they are lazy and that they should get a job, but sometimes the truth is people are homeless because they have a medical or mental health challenge that makes it so they can’t help themselves.” 

Brooklyn says, “I think it is good for students to have an experience like this. It helps us appreciate that we are fortunate to go to school and have a roof over our heads. This experience gave me empathy. I want to help people more.” 

Lucas D., a Grade 12 student, says, “As someone from a small town with virtually no homelessness, I was surprised to see the amount of homeless people in Calgary and the conditions they lived in.” 

“This experience gives raw insight on what it means to be homeless while also correcting judgemental and false assumptions about homeless individuals. While some may have made poor decisions, some have been kicked down by life more than they can handle. They don’t need others kicking them down too,” says Lucas.

Lucas says his group stopped to talk with a man, who told them his story that included immigration during civil wars in Europe and workplace accidents in Canada.  “He is a kind, humorous and good natured soul. He is simply a man who has been through some trauma and misfortune.”  Lucas says he is glad the Mustard Seed can help people see past assumptions and stereotypes. 

Tommy M., a Grade 9 student, says, “I was very surprised at how people treat other people that are experiencing homelessness and it's sad because we are all humans that just want the same things. I think it was a great experience for school kids because we are taught caution but also to have empathy for others because a lot of kids get told all the stereotypes and that isn’t always the case that someone could be experiencing homelessness. I love that my school provides it and I hope that more kids take this journey as well.”

“We are happy Shauna was willing to help students have this experience,” says Scott Saunders, Principal, Sundre High School. “Also, we are proud of the students who chose to participate. The fact that they were willing to go says a lot about their character, and that being a good citizen is important to them. The increased empathy they have from this experience  will be important as they graduate and are in positions to make a difference with the people around them.”