The Big Issue Australia is an independent organisation that develops and manages innovative and sustainable business-based solutions to issues faced by homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people.

The Big Issue is committed to developing initiatives which provide opportunities for people to make positive changes in their lives such as the Street Magazine Enterprise, Community Street Soccer Program, 2008 Melbourne Homeless World Cup and The Big Issue Classroom.

The Big Issue Classroom challenges secondary students to break down stereotypes surrounding homelessness and encourage tolerance and empathy towards all people.
Students attend a one hour interactive group session where discussions, games and fun activities are used to explore homelessness in Australia, discrimination in our society and what means to be marginalised.

Sessions are facilitated by a specialist presenter while students and teachers also have the opportunity to hear directly from someone who has experienced homelessness first-hand. Guest speakers share their personal and compelling stories focusing on the challenges they have faced and how The Big Issue has helped them to help themselves.

The Big Issue Classroom encourages students to think beyond the facts and figures and to gain an understanding of issues faced by homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people across Australia.

For more information visit The Big Issue Classroom.