Purpose

To highlight the factors that are affected by poverty. To allow an opportunity for discussion and reflection on how to tackle poverty.

Preparations

Copy a set of cards for each pair or group. Cut up the cards, or let the pupil group do it.

Do it like this

1. Each group receives a set of cards. The task of the group is to place the cards in a circle with the poverty card at the top. The other cards are arranged clockwise around the circle so that one can see what causes what.
2. When the group agrees, they discuss what what can be done to break the vicious circle. What efforts would they like to see? Perhaps your students want to introduce a program that ensures that all children receive free school meals. How would that impact the rest of the process?
3. All groups share their findings with the whole class.

Discussion questions:

• What factors on these cards are likely to lead to poverty?
• Are there more factors than those you can read about on the cards?
• Why is poverty a vicious circle? Why does one thing lead to the other?
• What proactive measures did your group come up with to reduce poverty?
• Is one single measure enough to break the cycle of poverty?
• Which proposal of yours do you think is easiest to implement?
• What is required for your proposals to become a reality?