UWA students taking part in the “Basti-Life” simulation activity
Photo by Theresa Creighton

Basti-Life simulation activity success in WA

On Tuesday May 11, 15 UWA Engineering and Social Justice students along with their lectures took part in the “Basti-Life” simulation activity.The students were split into families of three and four, and spent two hours experiencing what it would be like to live in a shanty in an Indian slum.

Posted by Theresa Creighton to Western Australia Chapter, 16th May 2010, 6:15pm

The families were tasked with making paper bags out of newspaper to sell to a local shop keeper to generate an income to survive. Each family had to earn enough to pay for rent, food, sanitation and medical needs.  Those families who were unable to pay their living costs experienced what it would it would be like to have their family’s future controlled by a loan shark.

Families who generated a good income were able to take advantage of the education and development opportunities which appeared throughout the activity.

One student explained, “My family struggled to work together at the beginning but after we established a good technique we were able to produce more bags which meant we were able to send a family member to school. This may not seem like something to celebrate but this activity highlighted how valuable education is in the developing world”.

Thanks to all the students who participated, we look forward to seeing you at our next WA Chapter EWB event.

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