Crossroads Visit - Paperbag Simulation

It has been over a month since I went to Crossroads. I should have updated this a bit earlier, but I forgot about it.

Anyways, on September 11, which was a Wednesday, the entire 9th grade went on a little field trip to Crossroads. I have been to Crossroads a couple times before. In our visit to crossroads, we did the paperbag simulation. In this simulation, we were able to experience what people around the world do everyday for a living. They make paper bags. They have to tiredly work numerous hours every day to support their family. Oftentimes, the money they earn from making paper bags is not enough. As a result, they may go deeper in debt or even have to sell their children. Sometimes, they sell their children in hope that their children would have a better life.

There are many different ways you can make paper bags. In the way I was taught, the only materials needed to make a paper bag were newspapers and glue (flour and water). First, I had to rip a big piece of newspaper into four even rectangles.Then, I folded both sides in, with one side slightly overlapping the other side. I used the glue to stick the overlapping area together. Afterwards, I folded the top of the bottom part up to form two triangles at the side. Then, folded the bottom of the bottom part up and glued it. These instructions I just gave you are not clear. If you are interested in learning how to make a paperbag, you can always search it up on Google.

Discussion before simulation

Before we actually started our simulation, we gathered together and sat on the ground. A simulation leader showed us how to make paper bags. Afterwards, we discussed ways we can stop the cycle of poverty. The simulation leaders talked about microfinancing. Microfinancing provides financial services such as loans, insurance, and savings to those living in poverty. For example, a villager in Uganda wants to borrow some money to buy a cow. However, regular banks do not allow that villager to borrow money from them because the villager is unable to guarantee that they can pay back. So, the villager can find people working with microfinancing and borrow money from them. When the villager is able to, they can pay them back.

Making paper bags

After our short discussion, a simulation leader split us into groups with both boys and girls. In my group, there was four girls and two guys. We were told to go to a corner and get ready. There were shopkeepers all over the place. Once we folded 10 paper bags, we would go up to a shop keeper and beg them to buy our paper bags. We had to earn, I think, $200-300 for rent, food, and water after every "day". If we wanted to buy medical insurance, a toilet, or an education for one of our "children", we had to pay extra. In the first day, there were people walking around telling me to hurry up. In my mind, I was saying, "I'm already doing the best I can!" In the end of the first day, we were unable to earn $200-300, so one of my group members had to give up her phone. When I begged shopkeepers to buy my groups' paper bags, oftentimes, they requested more from me. Once, I had to sell my wristwatch. Another time, I had to sell my shoes. Another time, I gave a shopkeeper a massage. When begging, I complimented the shopkeepers and made them "the center of the universe". Luckily, my group did not become slaves. We were even able to send one of our group members to school. This simulation was rather intense. All you could think about was surviving and making sure your family does not get separated. Through that experience, I understood what many people in this world feel every single day. A huge burden of stress is on their shoulders.

More paper bags

After the simulation, we had debriefing. The simulation leaders reminded us that we are never too young to take action. He told us of a young boy who helped construct a playground for a poor country. He believed that the children in poverty should still have fun. I can learn from that little boy. I am not too young to make a difference in the lives of other. As long as I have a strong desire in my heart and strive after it, I will make some sort of difference, big or small.

Lastly, we were prepared lunch. People from poor countries eat that kind of food. There were lentils, some sort of sauce, and rice. Honestly, it is not my favorite kind of food. However, at that time, I was so hungry and didn't really care. This simulation was a really eye-opening experience. I hope that I can try to make a difference in the lives of others.