day 4 - compulsory education

As a high school senior, I spend a lot (a lot) of time thinking about college: where I’ll go next year, what I’ll study. For me and many of my classmates, college is the natural educative step after high school. Unfortunately, this is far from the case for children in developing nations, who may not be guaranteed even an elementary-school education.

 

Compulsory education: it’s something we often take for granted. How could we not? The first compulsory education law in the United States was implemented 165 years ago – more than enough time for us to get desensitized to the fact that we are fortunate to have such laws in place.

I don’t want to risk going on a diatribe, but it bothers me when I hear variations of “I hate school” while walking in the hallways. Don’t you know how lucky we are? I want to say. People in other countries, especially women, would consider our high school education to be a blessing.

As discussed yesterday, a girl’s education may be relegated in favor of sending a brother. Other times, these girls may be needed to help out with harvesting, chores, or caring for younger siblings at home in order to make ends meet. Often, there are no spare funds to pay for necessary books, pencils, and uniforms. Considering how 20% of the world’s population lives on less than $1.25 a day, basic food costs become a priority and school costs become an extravagant expense. And sometimes the best students are the ones that can least afford the education. Either way, an education, no matter how much they may desire – or merit – it, is simply not a reality.

What if we were to take a step back? What if we were to realize that our education, one of the many rights we demand – along with freedom of speech, press, and religion – is not universally guaranteed? What if we were to give back, in some small way, the education that we have been so fortunate to receive?

Please consider making a charitable donation to help girls receive an education in Africa.

Janna