Sometimes I sit and think about how different life would be if every child could go to school for free. Not just any school, but a proper one with good teachers, working toilets, enough books, and no fear of being sent home because of money.
In my area, you could see the difference between children that went to good schools and those that didn’t. Some wore clean uniforms, carried backpacks, and had food to eat during break. Others wore slippers, carried books in nylon bags, and sometimes stayed at home because their parents didn’t have money for school fees. It wasn’t their fault. Their parents were just trying to survive.
There was a girl that lived on our street. Very smart, She used to help little children with their homework but after junior secondary school, she stopped going to school. Her parents couldn’t afford it anymore. I used to wonder what happened to her dreams. Now she helps her mother sell vegetables. I believe she could have become something great if things were different.
That’s the thing. When people ask if education should be free for everyone, I wonder why it’s even a question. It should be free. Why should the country you are born in decide if you will get an education? Why should money stop a child from learning? It’s not fair.
Some people say that poor countries can’t give free education to everyone. But these same countries have money for other things like politics, big cars, and travel. I think the problem is not lack of money, but bad priorities. If leaders care, they will find a way.
I’m not saying it’s easy. But it is possible. The government should put more money into public schools. They should fix the buildings, train the teachers well, and give students the things they need to learn. Education should give children hope, not stress.
International organizations can also help. They always say children are the future. So they should invest in their future too. People in the community can also help. If you can help a child with school fees, do it. If you have books or clothes you are not using, give them out. Every small help matters.
Another problem is how some people think. Some parents don’t believe education is important, especially for girls. They would rather teach the girl how to cook and send her off to marry. That thinking needs to change. Both boys and girls should go to school and be allowed to dream.
I’ve seen how education changes people. It gives you confidence and helps you make better decisions. It helps you understand the world around you. When someone is educated, they don’t just follow others blindly. They ask questions and make plans for their life.
If we want to fight poverty and reduce crime, we must make sure everyone goes to school. Not just the rich. Not just the lucky ones. Everybody. I’m not a politician, but I’ve lived long enough to know that if a leader wants something, they will make it happen.
I dream of a day when no child will be sent home from school because of fees. A day when the child of a cleaner and the child of a banker will sit in the same classroom and be treated the same. Education is not something we should sell. It is a right. Just like food, water, and shelter. Because without education, a person’s future becomes uncertain.
This is my response to this week's episode of the #hiveghana weekly prompt #week-103.
