Life Experience Activities
Step into the shoes of a person in another culture without going to their homeland. Begin to feel the struggles and hardship of their lives
Who Should Participate
- Schools and Universities
- Community and Service Groups
- Corporate Team Building
- Any group that wants to experience cultural differences
Basti Life
The Struggle for Survival (Paper Bag Simulation)
Step into the shoes of someone living in a Basti in India. Participants become members of a “family” and try to earn enough rupees to survive by making paper bags out of newspaper and homemade glue. They must earn enough to pay for rent, food, sanitation, medical needs and, if they are fortunate, education. Those that cannot make it end up in the hands of a loan shark. What can you do to help those living in poverty?
Recommended for ages: 13 - Adult
Time Needed: 2 Hours
Persecuted Christians
Step into the shoes of those who are living under persecution just because they are Christians. Learn the stories of those who have stood the test. Learn how you can help those who are being persecuted and also how to prepare for persecution that might come your way.
Recommended for ages: 16 - Adult
Time Needed: 2 Hours
Some, Tons, None
Step into the shoes of those lacking sufficient food. Participants must deal, first hand, with the unequal distribution of food on our planet. By the end of the exercise, they understand why hunger is, by far, the biggest killer in the world today. Why do I have some, you have tons and they have none?
Recommended for ages: 5 - 15
Time Needed: 1 Hour
Does it Really Make a Difference?
“...One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve every had. I had the chance to actually experience their experience...to be in their shoes...”
“The simulation...truly gave us the feeling we were living in extreme poverty...”
“You’re not supposed to be able to reach empathy, but somehow you do.”
“Simply magnificent...”
“I really felt the pressure of time and money as our ‘family’ strived...I think the game gave us an insight on how millions of people around the world must live their lives under such strain.”
“It’s hard to put into words how big an impact it has had on me and my family. It has given me a way to discuss serious issues with many of the senior business figures I meet. It has made me think a lot about the contribution I can make both personally and through my organization.”