Elementary school.Middle school.High school.College.That is the primary educational plan for the average student living in the United States.Bombs, terrorists, armed assailants.Those are the primary struggles faced by the average student attempting an education in war-torn countries.In fact, over 40 million children in these areas are without the main source that can change the path of terror that erupt in the countries.Nelson Mandela himself stated "Education is the greatest weapon in which we can the world."(warchild.org) In America more education means less children on the streets.In war torn countries more education could be the one factor that could mean life or death for a child.
But it's not just the threat of potential violence that could interrupt a child's chance of a safe and effective environment for an education.Since poverty plays such a big factor in the life of a child, it's not uncommon to have children infected with malaria and diarrhea that make it unable to attend school on a daily basis.With the lack of available healthcare they're usually affected long-term by crippling ailments from having to deal with such diseases at an early age.
There is an even bigger issue faced by the children that could change the course of a suitable education.Children many times, are the sole breadwinners of their family.Many children are forced into slavery, early marriage, or drug trade in order to provide for their families.More than 30 percent of children in Afghanistan are facing these types of struggles instead of being who they truly are, children.
I want to tell you a story. A story that could very well had been me or anyone else when we were younger, if not for the fact we live in the greatest country in the world.This story is about a twelve-year old old little boy living in Afghanistan.His name is Fawad Mohammadi.He is an orphan.Everyday instead of going to school, he is forced to work on the streets.He survives by bribing people for money while running out in the middle of the traffic filled streets.His father died living him alone.weary.and scared.He is aggressive, trying to sell incense to bystanders who turn away at his dirt stained face.he does this all with a price.“When I’m working on the street, I always look at what’s going on around me,” Mohammadi said. “I try to stay away from places that might be targets for bombers. And if I see someone who looks suspicious, I try to keep away from them(pri.org)". Harsh lessons for such a young boy whose forced to become a man.
Education in America might be expensive but any attempt at an education in war-torn countries might as well be useless.The risks are immense and many times.More education could mean less kidnappings and less violence that are so rampant in these areas as it is.Many of these children carry mental scar, many, physical scars.The life of a twelve year old boy should be one filled with basketball games and fun with friends.But the lack of an education is breeding more violence and causing an increase of hardships that could be prevented.A dangerous life for a dangerous price.
This is a very difficult issue. Education is the basis for a successful nation, and it is also the basis for a more peaceful nation. Even more difficult is the fact that it is mostly up to the countries themselves to solve their internal educational conflicts. Unfortunately, the reality is that most war torn countries like Somalia have no centralized government to start reform. Great Post. I look forward to reading next week.
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ReplyDeleteI am not being religious or anything, but we should all be thankful that we are living in better circumstances. The gap between those developing countries and developed countries will unlikely to diminish due to absence of the government like tim mentioned, but at least we can sponsor those kids through organization like Save the Children. Great subject to touch upon.
ReplyDeleteI like how you compared our lives to theirs in order to emphasize just how different they are. We are so lucky to have grown up in warm, safe environments, but there are some kids - even in the US - who don't. The one thing I don't agree with is when you say "any attempt at an education in war-torn countries might as well be useless." I think if we have that attitude, we will never be able to create positive change. I think we should strive to educate these people because even one more educated person can help improve their community.
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