My son spent the October half-term doing an initiative called Soul Survivor.
Basically, he had to build his own shelter using cardboard boxes, pallets, tarpaulins, etc. He only had the clothes he was standing up in. He was allowed a toothbrush, which was obviously a pampering concession.
His food was rice and lentils for the week, unless he did 'worked' for the odd treat. He had to walk half-a-mile to get water (this initiative was highlighting world poverty as well as general homelessness).
It was very moving for him and he leart a lot about what it meant to be cold and hungry - one of the things was just how long every day is with no books (other than a bible) or computer games, or even homework (he didn't mind that bit). He raised a lot of money for the charity, which was significant to him but also made the donors think about the issues too.
People are too quick to sneer while they sit back and do nothing.
It is nice in Primary School (assuming this is one, since that is the only stage that the Princesses went to the same schools), to illustrate their topics. For example, last year, my DD's class had a Greek day, as they were learning about Greek mythology and modern Greece. They dressed up in sheets - it helped them focus. I hope there weren't too many Greeks who were offended by this exercise (we have three Greek families in school). I don't think they were looking down on ancient Greeks because they didn't have Ugg boots. I don't think so.