On Monday, February 23, the BJU School of Education and Human Services hosted a Poverty Simulation – an experience intended to help students better understand the challenges many Americans face on a daily basis. This was the third time we hosted this event. The first iteration from 2024 involved only students from BJU. Then, last year we invited juniors and seniors from three local Christian schools to participate. This year, we partnered with the Future Teacher Academy of Greenville County Schools to run the program for public school seniors interested in teaching as a career. Several BJU students and faculty who had previously participated in the simulation were able to come along to lead the event.
Upon arriving, students were divided into mock families living on a limited budget. The experience consisted of four 15-minute sessions, each representing one week in which they had to provide for their family and maintain their home. Throughout this time, students were responsible for maintaining jobs, paying expenses, and caring for children. BJU students and faculty assumed the roles of community resources that the families could utilize. At the end, students divided into small groups to reflect and discuss what they had learned through the experience.
For many, this simulation gave a new perspective on poverty. “Simulations are key in connecting understanding with future practice for future educators, social workers, and community partners of all kinds,” said Dr. Scott Buhr, Division Chair for Teacher Education. “We want to help students build empathy and understanding.” Faculty member Cait Reid, who has been a social worker in the past, added “The cycle of poverty is not just a linear thing to get out of in three easy steps. There’s not an owner’s manual of what benefits you qualify for, how to get them, and where to go to get them. It is really hard to figure it out, so it’s good for students to experience that in this setting.”
We pray this experience will build compassion and inspire students to use their God-given abilities to help others escape the cycle of poverty. Both teachers and human services professionals regularly serve needy families in situations not far removed from experiences like this. As the School of Education and Human Services, we are committed to preparing students to answer their higher calling to minister to those in need. Events such as this one give us an opportunity to present our programs to prospective students. If your organization is interested in hosting a Poverty Simulation, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We would love to bring this perspective-shifting event to you!
