Mennonite
Central
Committee

Refugee Simulation Game

This game simulates the choices refugee families must make with limited resources. The game is played in "families" of three or four people and is most fun when more than one group plays simultaneously.

 

Before the game

1. Position three people somewhere in the building with a stash of supplies, each with a different item. One person will have a stash of blankets (or just one flannel square to represent a blanket); another person will have a case of canned meat; a third person will have soap. Each person will be instructed to be tough and state that the bit of money that the "refugee" will offer is not enough.
2. See copy of sheet with the pretend money (Canadian (PDF), U.S. (PDF)). Cut and paperclip stacks of $5 together.
3. See copy of the coupons (PDF). You will hand these out to each family without comment. The coupon actually entitles the bearer to one item free.

 

Begin with a role play

State "you are now a refugee." You have left home because a war threatened your safety. The food you carried with you is now gone. Winter is setting in. The soles of your shoes are wearing out. Your middle child is growing and his shoes no longer fit at all.

Your task is to take the $5 that you have and try to get the things your family needs by bargaining, begging and pleading. You need a warm blanket, you need a can of meat and you need soap to wash away the germs that threaten everyone's health. You know that others are also seeking the same items as you need. There may not be enough to go around. You begin the search for people who will bargain with you, you beg and plead for these supplies. Send the family units out to search for those who will share with them. Instruct them they have 15 minutes to complete the search after which they must return to you.

 

Conclude the game

Ask two questions

1. How did you get these supplies
2. What did you have to give up in order to get these supplies?

Reflect on the challenges of being a refugee

1. How can you help a refugee?
2. How might this game help you think of different responses the next time you are tempted to complain about your supper, or the things you don't have but want?

 

Pretend Money Canadian (PDF)

Pretend Money U.S. (PDF)

Coupons (PDF)