Taking School For Granted

“Education can lift individuals out of poverty and into rewarding careers.” - Christine Gregoire

Bishops Primary School kids holding school books.

Written by RSF High School Intern Bella Auten

In the United States, it is easy to take schooling for granted. Most American children have probably never had to think about not being able to go to school. I certainly didn't.

We may have begrudgingly completed homework assignments and taken exams but imagine where we would be without that instruction, especially literary skills? Basic reading and writing skills are necessary not only to getting jobs but also functioning in our global society. The Batwa have to be literate not only in their Ugandan language, Rukiga, but also English, which is Uganda's national language and essential to succeed in a global and connected world that could provide them the opportunity for gaining knowledge, skills, and further online educational opportunities.

I never really thought about the fact that some kids around the world, including Uganda's Batwa, often don't even attend school at all. Yet the more skills we can add to the Batwa children's arsenal, the more job opportunities they will have, the more chances at attending university, and the more they will be able to advocate for themselves, their families, and their tribe and to correct the injustices perpetrated on them.

A community member with a stable income will inevitably have a better quality of life. In the case of the Batwa, they will be better able to meet basic needs for their families: food, soap, clothing. Often, the Batwa children who do finish some level of schooling get jobs but then must support their siblings in school and their parents at home who don't have the education to do so. But that means they have less money to save for their own dreams, education, and desires.

And that's why we need to keep these kids in school at least through the end of secondary (high) school. We want to give the Batwa children an education that teaches them the skills they need so that they can build themselves the life they deserve, freer of the struggles that come with being one of the most vulnerable and impoverished people in the world.

Getting and keeping every child in school is just the start to making a permanent change in Batwa communities. You have the chance to help them rise out of poverty and create a better future for their families. RSF aims to see a day where the Batwa children do not have to worry about affording school.

RSF helps our kids to receive a superior private school education. It costs $500 to send one child to school for a year in Kalehe. There is an option of monthly sponsorship of $45 USD/month or a half sponsorship at $25 USD/month or you can make a one-time donation. You can sign up below by setting up a recurring donation (You will need a Paypal account) or contact us for other options.

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