By Isabella Jiang
On Tuesday, March 14th 2023, Equifyhk hosted a sweatshop simulation in King George V School (KGV), in collaboration with the Mekong Club. Sweatshop simulations are designed to provide participants with an experiential understanding of the harsh working conditions and low pay that workers in developing countries often face. These simulations aim to raise awareness and promote empathy towards the suffering of these workers. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the global issue of modern slavery. As a result of our hard work in spreading awareness, KGV ended up winning the 2023 sweatshop challenge against other international schools.
Through these simulations, the participants learnt about the challenges faced by workers in sweatshops, such as poor working conditions, long hours, and low pay. It can also help participants understand the impact of globalisation and the role of multinational corporations in perpetuating these conditions.
Personally, I believe that sweatshop simulations can be a powerful tool for education and advocacy. They can help individuals understand the human cost of cheap consumer goods and the need for sustainable and ethical practices in the global economy. By experiencing the simulation, participants can become more informed consumers and advocates for workers' rights. The sweatshop simulations can be a valuable learning experience that helped me to develop a range of skills, including empathy, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. In my opinion, I believe these skills are crucial for developing a sense of social responsibility and global citizenship and can be applied in a range of personal and professional contexts.
In conclusion, sweatshop simulations can be a valuable learning experience for individuals seeking to understand the impact of globalisation and the need for ethical and sustainable practices in the global economy. These simulations can promote empathy and understanding towards workers in developing countries and encourage individuals to take action towards a more just and equitable world.
