Poverty Simulation Exercise set for Jan. 21 in North Battleford

A free Poverty Simulation Exercise aimed at building understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by low-income families will take place Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Living Faith Chapel in North Battleford.

The event will begin with check-in from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by the simulation from 10 a.m. to noon. A lunch and debrief session will run from noon to 1 p.m.

Organizers describe the session as “a simulation, not a game,” designed to give participants a realistic look at the day-to-day decisions and barriers that can come with living on a low income.

During the interactive exercise, participants will be assigned roles within family units and asked to navigate real-life circumstances such as unemployment, housing instability, disability, fixed incomes, or caring for children or grandchildren. Over the course of four 15-minute “weeks,” families will work to secure basic necessities while trying to maintain stable housing.

The simulation will be held in a large-room environment with stations representing community services positioned throughout the space. These include banks, grocery stores, employers, utilities, health care, child care and social services — arranged to reflect real-world systems, pressures and obstacles.

Registration is open and the event is free to attend. Connect with Antje Rongve through email at ed@riverswestdistrict.ca or phone: 306-446-6776 for more information.