Why do most kids not attend school?
Many kids do not attend school because they lack the money to pay their school fees. Some begin school then have to stop halfway through because there is no money. This is true for Orphaned children, single parent families and some families with both parents but with no way to generate enough income for school fees.
In some cases it is the lack of adequate food, how can you pay attention when your stomach is constantly grumbling for food.
What is the attitude of their parent(s) about education?
They see the lack of education as a very big problem; children become the victims when they are not given the opportunity to attend school. Their children have no future, no hope for a ‘better’ life. Parents live with a feeling of desperation because they cannot provide this essential need for their children – they desire strongly to educate their children but lack the ability to do so. They are concerned for the future. The reality is how can a parent think about schooling when they can barely provide adequate food for their families.
Story of the cow. My people care for cows, a family has one cow that gives milk to their children. This is all they have how can they sell the cow to raise school fees? So the child must stay at home and care for the cow. The parents don’t really need the child to care for the animal, but by giving them this job they keep the child occupied so they will not wander into trouble. In the heart of the parent there is no hope for their children b/c they cannot provide, their desire is to see their child succeed not to have to ‘care for the animal’ all day.
How is education part of the solution of the problems faced in your country?
Since so many kids lack the ability to attend school they choose (or are forced) to join the army or rebel group that has gained control in their area, they use the gun as a tool to provide for themselves. Girls in this situation fall into prostitution to get the basic necessities of life. These choices put children at great risk as well as perpetuate a state of chaos for their community. They have no hope – so they make choices based on what they need right now because that is as far as they can think or see.
What happens when education is made available to children?
Children have a sense of value; this is an answer to their (and their parent(s)) dreams. This opportunity will not just change the life of the individual child but have a much broader impact on the whole community. Children have dreams of becoming something this gives them that opportunity, they can see much further now they have a sense of hope for the future. With out this their dreams will die.
How does an education help a child think about his future?
There is a change in mindset, instead of just seeing the immediate needs they are able to hope for something more, becoming a doctor, teacher, pastor etc. An education provides a short term solution as well – kids choose to attend school instead of the alternatives mentioned above, this sets a new course for their lives they have meaning – I can do something and make a difference!
How else does CFE help in a community?
As we go into communities and begin to assist children, what children we choose is very important. Choosing children from different tribes sends the message of reconciliation. We desire the tribes to come together and repair their broken relationships. Giving their children an opportunity to be educated sometimes in the same schools creates bridges for the different tribes and provides opportunities to interact. This brings Peace and stability to a community.
One school, one vision, one community working together to make a bright future for their children instead of taking up arms against each other.
What becomes of the ‘educated’ child?
You are respected, looked up to by younger people; you have a purpose and meaning in your life even if you do not have a ‘good job.’ Because you are educated you are put into a position of influence even if you cannot obtain a job. You can begin thinking of how to create opportunities for your community.
Quality of life improves for you and your community. People begin to make better choices i.e. go to a hospital instead of traditional medicines. Impacts lifestyle choices, understanding of diseases and their causes, make better choices about sexuality.
When they have children make the necessary sacrifices to provide education for their own children because it is a priority.
Gives a voice to the oppressed, I can now speak out about the reality of life. I can encourage others to make better choices. I can encourage the young girl not to engage in prostitution by helping her to be able to attend school.
What difference does it make you can only help a few
Even helping a small number has a huge impact. These few bring hope to many others.
Where are you in this process?
I feel great pain for my people. By helping in this way I feel a sense of peace because I know that what we are doing together is making a difference. Also because we are following what God has commanded us to do “to love on another”
By providing an education for children I am giving children something to do, this keeps them from doing the things they should not be involved with, things that will destroy them and their communities.
