During a two-week teaching mission in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, I learned that a student had lost her home in a devastating fire. The blaze destroyed everything, including her schoolbooks and uniforms. The girl and her family were heartbroken, feeling as though they had lost everything.
But soon, help began to pour in from all corners – the school administration, staff, and fellow students all rallied together. Donation channels were quickly set up to support the affected family. It was in that moment that I witnessed the profound generosity of everyone involved. It also led me to reflect on how we often take things for granted. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy or disaster to help us truly appreciate the value of what we have in life and to recognize what truly matters.
It was in this instance that I truly understood the value of education. In some countries, education is not only compulsory but so readily accessible that it can be taken for granted, almost as if it’s a birthright. In places like Singapore, for example, few would bat an eyelid at someone having a college degree. Yet, in many parts of the world, education is a privilege – a potential escape from poverty. In parts of the Philippines, for example, when someone graduates from college, the entire village often celebrates, sharing food and joy with neighbors. It’s not just a victory for the graduate and their family, but for the entire community.
In many places, children who drop out of school and are forced to work at a young age may turn to dangerous paths, such as drug dealing, pimping, or prostitution. But education offers a fighting chance for social mobility. It allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to rise above their circumstances, improve their quality of life, and access better economic opportunities through well-paying jobs.
Beyond economic benefits, education fosters personal growth. By attending school and interacting with teachers and peers, students broaden their perspectives and learn the importance of tolerance and respect. These values are essential for reducing societal divisions and conflicts. Moreover, an educated population is the foundation of a skilled workforce, driving innovation and progress.
We must fight to keep our children in school, not only for their own well-being but for the betterment of society as a whole.
Scholastic Bertrand Leong, SJ
(Image generated by AI)