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By rdnewsNOW Staff

TWO-HOUR EXERCISE

Poverty simulation opens the eyes of Chinook’s Edge educators

Oct 31, 2024 | 9:00 AM

Staff from Deer Meadow and École Olds High School travelled to Holy Trinity School in Olds to participate in a poverty simulation exercise on Oct. 25.

Heather Dixon, a representative with Olds Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), who helped sponsor the event, explained that the simulation gives participants an idea of what life is like for “at the bottom rung of the economic ladder.”

During the two-hour exercise, attendees are broken into families whose goal is to do their best to make ends meet week-to-week over a simulated one-month time period. Through the simulation, they are faced with real-life challenges and scenarios faced by those living in poverty. The day then wraps up with a one-hour discussion and reflection.

Dixon said this method offered a chance to experience these realities first hand and widen perspectives. “For example, people might have to make choices between purchasing food and paying for electricity. The families who face this choice regularly are brought to light, fostering empathy and understanding,” she said.

Dawnna Morgan, a teacher at Deer Meadow, reflected on the experience, sharing that she sees how school might get pushed to the back burner as a priority when more basic needs haven’t been met first.

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“I was put into a stressed state right away, as soon as I read my character profile. I was very anxious based on the fact that I did not know what to do or where to turn for help. I actually felt like I wanted to cry,” she shared.

Other participants highlighted the barriers that stand between vulnerable community members and accessing services.

“Even though there were many supports, it was hard to know where to go and what was needed to access them, on top of complicating factors like health, transportation, or just having the time to get to the places of support,” said Allan Whitehead, principal of Deer Meadow School.

Many instructors reported recognizing the role that schools have to play in such families’ lives in offering a safe and supportive space for children.