The poverty simulation allowed me to step into their shoes and experience firsthand the difficult decisions people in poverty have to make on a daily basis. It was eye-opening to see how limited resources can lead to tough choices between basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. Families with children are having to sacrifice their own well-being in order to provide for their kids, often skipping meals or going without necessary medical care.
Students were asked to sit in any center they wanted during the poverty simulation; each station represented different families in various situations and workplaces. During the poverty simulation, I chose to be a healthcare professional at a healthcare center. My job was to provide medical assistance to families who were dealing with any kind of illness and provide them with the correct medical resources to cure that sickness.
As I sat at the station, I noted that only one person came to my station to receive medical treatment. It taught me that poverty is not a result of laziness or lack of effort to create a better life for themselves, but a complex web of circumstances that trap individuals into a cycle of poverty. People who are living in poverty did not choose to live this kind of life; they were forced to because there was no other option left for them.
I witnessed these families fishing for job opportunities and child care for their young ones, but it was impossible to find those resources because of the low source of income. It made me realize that as much as these people who are living in poverty at this moment are so eager to have a job and give their family a better life, it is not as easy as it may seem.
The lack of educational resources and opportunities makes it incredibly challenging for individuals to break away from poverty and find stable employment. Moreover, the systemic barriers and discrimination they face only exacerbate their struggles in accessing education and job training programs.
After the simulation and sitting down and conversing with the students who participated in the workshop, you can see the tremendous amount of sadness and frustration they felt during this experience. Many of them expressed their desire to improve their lives and escape the cycle of poverty but felt trapped due to the limited options available to them.
I think it also gave us students who are in school an important perspective on the challenges faced by marginalized communities. It made us realize the privilege we have in accessing education and job opportunities and inspired us to take action in advocating for equal access and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background.
This simulation gave me a sense of open mindedness that it is important to have empathy for those living in poverty, and showed me that this is not just a matter of personal responsibility but a systemic issue that requires action to be taken.
From this experience, I have learned that education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for individuals. It has the potential to empower individuals to overcome their circumstances and achieve their goals. Additionally, I have learned that systemic change is necessary to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, and that advocacy and activism play a crucial role in creating a more equitable society.
