Turner Co. Schools & UGA Extension ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ poverty simulator
Teachers and faculty were put through multiple scenarios and problems parents in poverty may face.
ASHBURN, Ga. – Turner County Schools and the University of Georgia Extension Program put together a poverty simulator to demonstrate the hardships of possible students in poverty.
“I wanted them to identify how families feel when they have hardly no money but lots of stress,” said Shylynski Smith, district social worker.
Teachers and faculty were put through multiple scenarios and problems parents in poverty may face.
“The student faculty represent our families and they go through a simulation of what a day in the life is,” said Lynn Davis, Turner County Extension Coordinator.
Events like this better prepare teachers and faculty to deal with students in this situation.
“It makes me understand that I need to do the things that makes sure its a good positive environment for each and every one of my students finding those situations and talk to the parents,” said Principal Laberton Sims, Turner County Elementary.
One of the first steps needed to solve the poverty problem is…
“Understanding, when you see a student they may have dirty clothes on or late to school it’s just an understanding of what the child may be going through at home,” said Smith.
District social worker Shylynski Smith tells me she hopes to try this experiment with students as well.
“I think it’ll be great for students because a lot of students are going through this so I’ll know they’ll be able to relate,” said Smith.
Because when it’s all said and done…
“Everyone can make it if you just keep pushing through and we’re here to help each other out,” said Sims.
Cameron Sanders reporting.
Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.
