Hometruths

'Home Truths' has been developed in response to the consistent interest from teachers and students in the activities of the FairWear Campaign and the reality that young people are a significant group of consumers who can play an equally significant role in opposing the exploitation of clothing outworkers in our communities.

In Australia and other countries around the world women and their families work at sewing machines to produce the clothes that are sold in our shops and markets. It is estimated that there are over 300,000 homebased outworkers in the Australian Clothing Industry - many of whom work in unhealthy conditions for very low pay. 'Home Truths' is intended to facilitate teaching and learning about this situation.

Teachers, undergraduates in education and fellow activists have contributed to its development, creating interesting ways to explore the issues which are consistent with each subject's intended outcomes. We hope you will find the learning experiences and activities relevant, practical and easily integrated into your programs.

While 'Home Truths' is based on the NSW Curriculum (current in 1999), we trust that the ideas can be adapted to fit the requirements of other states.

Above all else it has been our intention that this resource be as flexible and user-friendly as possible - hence you will find that roughly equal space is allocated to background resources and to lesson ideas. The whole kit can be reproduced for educational purposes, as required.

If there are no lesson ideas specifically for your subject but you think the issues in the clothing industry are relevant to your students - you're probably right! Please borrow any ideas from other subjects or make up your own using the resources provided. We have simply provided some starting points and collected resources which we think will be easy to use in the classroom. Contributions we receive for other subjects will be added to the Website version of 'Home Truths'.

Please be sure to send us your evaluation of 'Home Truths'. Your response will help us to gauge the effectiveness of the resource - constructive criticism welcome!

It is our belief that a more informed community can make better decisions because they have a more developed understanding of the implications of their action or inaction. An awareness of social justice and a sense of social responsibility can be integrated into the existing curriculum, rather than having to be an 'extra thing' to fit into the overloaded school program.

The extent of activism encouraged in your students will depend on your own teaching style, your students' enthusiasm and the ethos of your school.

'Home Truths' presents many opportunities for students to engage in active learning, to develop skills in problem-solving, discuss and debate issues which touch their daily lives and to reflect on the nature of our society. The FairWear Campaign is a strong example of the reality that together we can make a difference - something young people need to know!

Download Hometruths

For all subject areas download the Resources and Action Sections. Then pick the subject area to download lesson ideas!

For the media resources that accompany this kit please contact the Fair Wear office on 02 9380 9091 or email fairwear@awatw.org.au

• Introduction

• Legal Studies

• Visual Art

• Economics

• English

• Factpages

• Action

• Evaluation

• Consumer Survey