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Poverty Simulation On Friday, October 6 and Monday, October 9, Miami Country Day School hosted a "Poverty Simulation." The Friday session included parents and faculty, and the Monday one was for students, grades 8-12. The exercise required participants to assume a new identity, receive a profile, and survive for one month. They group
together as families, need to get to work, pay bills, get kids to school, obtain health care. Every 15 minutes accounts for one week, and the simulation runs for four weeks. As the weeks go on, life gets more and more difficult. The simulation is designed to get kids to understand the everyday plight of people living at the
poverty line. One teacher called it a "an enriching, empathetic experience" and a student described it as "eye opening."
Far left: JJ Scher addresses the group about his experience. Near left: Zoey Arnold and Sophia Rosenberg navigate the challenges of poverty.
Far left: Elsa Levine, MIa Batista and Robert Depradine act as a family, and they discuss strategies on how to survive. Near left: Parent Ilana Rodan visits the pawn shop to make some cash to survive.
Far left: 8th grader Nina Lardi was arrested for bringing a gun to school, as part of the simulation. Near left: Middle school teacher, Mrs. Muhlig, and Middle School Director, Mr. Mathes, were sent to Juvenile Hall.
Top left: 8th grader Daniel Tzalik tries to negotiate a deal with the pawn shop. Top Right: Isabella Slezynger, D'Yani Gregoire and Luna Alonso discuss ways their family can survive. Bottom left: Middle school guidance counselor was sent to juvenile Hall. Bottom center: Mr. Dearacama and Mr. Ball wait for their " parents" to arrive home from work. Bottom right: Dr. Davies ends his day at " school"