NW Valley Times

David Begbie, director of the Crossroads Foundation based in Hong Kong, led a poverty simulation event at Grand Canyon University (GCU) to broaden participants' understanding of global poverty. The event involved students, faculty, staff, and community members engaging in activities designed to simulate the struggles faced by those living in poverty.

Participants were tasked with making paper bags to sell for rent money while experiencing time constraints and pressure from simulated landlords. Begbie asked participants about their experiences during the simulation. One participant noted "the panic" experienced when attempting to pay rent under these conditions. Another commented on the moral compromises made for survival.

Dr. Jon Valla from GCU's College of Natural Sciences remarked on the focus required solely on production during the simulation. The Crossroads Foundation has conducted similar simulations globally for nearly two decades, aiming to provide insight into the lives of those they serve.

Begbie recounted an earlier initiative where CEOs were stripped of possessions and immersed in poverty-like conditions to gain perspective. Notable figures such as Richard Branson have participated in these simulations.

Caleb Noble, a senior engineering student at GCU who grew up in Hong Kong, played a key role in bringing this experience to campus. His father is associated with Crossroads Foundation and helped facilitate the event alongside his younger brother.

The simulation was supported by GCU's K12 Educational Development department and Honors College. Anya Cofrancesco from the Honors College emphasized its importance for developing students' global awareness through experiential learning.

The event highlighted issues like economic vulnerability due to illness and low income from labor-intensive work such as paper bag production, which can yield minimal earnings despite long hours.

Freshman Rachel Schaus participated to expand her perspective further and reflected on making a difference through awareness and action inspired by faith.