*Dedicated to all my teacher friends returning to the classroom tomorrow
What is your education worth??
I feel like I've asked myself this question many times over the past couple of years. Being a 20 year veteran in education, I am very passionate about this question. Being a parent of a teenager and a tween, I am very curious as to how much the "college days" will cost me. Lol!
Having visited several countries during my adult life, I am always interested in the education provided by the government in those specific countries. These last few days, our FBB team visited Mexico to help with OCC shoebox distribution.
Carlos Garcia, our fearless leader and founder of Amigo Fiel, reminded us again about education in Mexico. Children go to school through sixth grade. After sixth grade, parents are given the option to allow their child to continue their education which will cost them approximately $500/year. Many/most can not afford this luxury for a couple of reasons. First, the $500 is a huge sum of money. Secondly, after sixth grade, students may begin working in factories and help their families by bringing in additional income. Hard for us to swallow, right?
For example, a family has two parents and three children. Both parents work each week and earn approximately $100/week, or $50 each. When one child completes sixth grade, the household income increases to about $150/week. When all three children begin working, the household income will more than double. For this reason, some parents determine they cannot afford to allow their children to attend school after sixth grade- even if they receive a scholarship! It is simply heartbreaking for this educator!
This is true in many countries. In Kenya, only the smartest, "cream-of-the-crop", are allowed to continue their education. Wow! (Pretty sure I would not have made the cut!)
Perhaps this is the reason I get so defensive when our students are compared to students in other countries. Do those countries provide free education to all? It is definitely something to ponder.....
And the price of education... Can we even put a number value on our education? Is it possible to accurately figure the investment of time and money that my teachers poured into me? To countless others over and over, year after year...
I think not!
There are many things God pointed out on this OCC trip to Juarez. First, He has a BIG sense of humor, and ALWAYS takes care of us. Secondly, I am spoiled!!! I often lose my joy because I sweat the small stuff! (Matching boots to a new dress- you get my point) And of course, the value and blessing of an education. Thank you Lord for reminders along the journey.
What is your education worth??
I feel like I've asked myself this question many times over the past couple of years. Being a 20 year veteran in education, I am very passionate about this question. Being a parent of a teenager and a tween, I am very curious as to how much the "college days" will cost me. Lol!
Having visited several countries during my adult life, I am always interested in the education provided by the government in those specific countries. These last few days, our FBB team visited Mexico to help with OCC shoebox distribution.
Carlos Garcia, our fearless leader and founder of Amigo Fiel, reminded us again about education in Mexico. Children go to school through sixth grade. After sixth grade, parents are given the option to allow their child to continue their education which will cost them approximately $500/year. Many/most can not afford this luxury for a couple of reasons. First, the $500 is a huge sum of money. Secondly, after sixth grade, students may begin working in factories and help their families by bringing in additional income. Hard for us to swallow, right?
For example, a family has two parents and three children. Both parents work each week and earn approximately $100/week, or $50 each. When one child completes sixth grade, the household income increases to about $150/week. When all three children begin working, the household income will more than double. For this reason, some parents determine they cannot afford to allow their children to attend school after sixth grade- even if they receive a scholarship! It is simply heartbreaking for this educator!
This is true in many countries. In Kenya, only the smartest, "cream-of-the-crop", are allowed to continue their education. Wow! (Pretty sure I would not have made the cut!)
Perhaps this is the reason I get so defensive when our students are compared to students in other countries. Do those countries provide free education to all? It is definitely something to ponder.....
And the price of education... Can we even put a number value on our education? Is it possible to accurately figure the investment of time and money that my teachers poured into me? To countless others over and over, year after year...
I think not!
There are many things God pointed out on this OCC trip to Juarez. First, He has a BIG sense of humor, and ALWAYS takes care of us. Secondly, I am spoiled!!! I often lose my joy because I sweat the small stuff! (Matching boots to a new dress- you get my point) And of course, the value and blessing of an education. Thank you Lord for reminders along the journey.
Amen god bless u ......
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