‘Poverty simulation’ class at SICC a worthwhile exercise
The negative online reaction to the upcoming poverty simulation workshop at the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) is perplexing (“SICC offers ‘poverty simulation’ class for members”; Feb 5).
A majority found it ludicrous that a workshop to understand poverty would be held at one of the most elite clubs here. What has become of us?
Why dismiss a worthwhile programme “typically conducted for schools and volunteers” just because of its new setting? Must we find something wrong with a workshop just because we find it dissonant that poverty could be simulated in a country club?
I am heartened, however, by blogger Andrew Loh’s post “Poverty simulation — nothing wrong with it”.
Separately on Facebook, he commented: “I find the criticism ... unfair. I think a lot of the critics don’t even know what the programme is about.”
I suspect that some tend to post on social media without bothering to read beyond headlines.
I agree with Mr Loh that while nothing beats “going down to the ground” to see the real-life situations the poor and less fortunate are in, “it doesn’t mean that we should shun ... all other methods of informing ourselves”.
Like him, I hope that participants will go on to devote time to help the needy.
“But even if they don’t, the knowledge they gain ... may come in useful if they should come across (those) who may need their help. Or at the very least ... they can better empathise with those who suffer poverty.”
He concludes that we should not ridicule those trying to do good in any way they can: “After all, how many of us would even ... participate in such a workshop if invited, let alone ... volunteer on the ground?”
Such an initiative aimed at encouraging even the privileged to start somewhere is worthy of support. Instead of slamming it as foolish, why not see it as a first step towards educating ourselves and eradicating indifference to the less well-off?
Every bit that brings out kindness in helping the less fortunate, both in action and in messaging, contributes to defining our society’s character.
