School employees simulate poverty

New Hanover County school employees spent Monday learning about the pain of poverty. The experience brought social workers, counselors, nurses and administrators together for a day of realistic role play. Those who participated faced many struggles that low-income families face on a daily basis: Homelessness, illiteracy, hunger, inability to pay bills and more.

Sharon Goodson who helped coordinate the event said it is not training but an experience.

“We hope this experience will actually change people to the degree that they actually want to do something to be able to better serve low-income families and children,” Goodson said.

The simulation took the participants through a month in the life of people affected by poverty. In New Hanover County 44 percent of students receive free or reduced lunches and 273 are identified as homeless.

The event continues Tuesday with 70 New Hanover County School employees attending.