An event to simulate the conditions of poverty that drew fierce criticism across the Cambridge student body has been cancelled, with its organisers issuing an apology.

Giving What We Can Cambridge (GWWC) told Varsity that they “now see how the simulation might have come across problematically and are deeply sorry for any offence... caused”.

Varsity previously reported criticism of Clare Cellars’ intention to turn their event space into a “run-down oppressive slum” as “deeply disturbing, inappropriate and an affront to the dignity of the people who actually live in poverty every day.”

The Independent has since reported on the student backlash and the way the society had to “bow down to pressure.”

GWWC’s spokesperson defended their intentions of trying to “deepen students’ understanding of the issues involved in extreme poverty, with the hope that it would motivate students to take action.”

They added that poverty is “not a spectacle” or “a game” to be enjoyed but a “reality” for 1.2 billion people and that “many” GWWC members “donate at least 10% of their incomes to help eradicate extreme poverty.”

Particular criticism was aimed at the way the event was marketed, particular the use of a black child as the banner on the Facebook event.

Ethical Action, the organisation invited by GWWC to run the simulation, told Varsity that what had happened was “regrettable” and recognised the marketing of event – for which they played no role – may have strongly influenced the backlash.

They also felt that the cancellation might have come “as a result of comments from people who had likely not participated” in one of their events.

In a statement, Empathy Action said their aim “is to promote the prevention and relief of poverty by providing experiential learning opportunities.”

They added that many participants are left with a “deeper” and “different” impression from their events.

“Many report that they have become more involved in seeking to eradicate poverty, supporting evidence that empathy correlates to pro-social behaviour.”

Nungari Mwangi, President of Cambridge University’s African Society, confirmed to Varsity that she has sent a letter to the organisers of the event detailing the society’s grievances, and that they are working on “further discussions” to look at “appropriate” ways to raise awareness of poverty and other issues with student societies in the future.

Clare College MCR’s Secretary also released a statement to Varsity regarding earlier controversy over a post referring to the event:

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