Economic Hardships Rear Their Ugly Head

Zimbabwe's schooling system has never been compared to the likes of Yale, Harvard or even a community college here in the United States, but it appears that it may be on the rise. Besides the few teachers, ice age old technology and neglect for education it appears as if Zimbabwe's parents have found a way to pay the $24 charge to send their kids to school; that being chickens.

Reports coming out of Zimbabwe are announcing that some 20,000 teachers have fled the country in the past two years meaning that students have had few chances to move beyond their primary schooling. What many often forget is that in Zimbabwe, attending school is a luxury and few parents can afford these so called "luxuries". School desks, pencils and even text books are at a severe premium. In some cases reports have said that up to 13 students will share one textbook at the same time, meaning that learning can often be difficult in schools.

Despite these economic and life hardships that the Zimbabwe people are suffering, numerous parents arn't willing to sacrifice their childrens chance at a better future simply because of money. Instead these resilant moms and dads have resorted to using chickens and livestock as a form of currency to help pay the dues for an education. Since the government doesn't at all have the funds or seem willing to designate money to education in its country, it comes down to country's such as the United States to donate school supplies and money to give these under privileged children a chance at a better future.

We often take advantage of being able to go to school for free for most of our lives, when most of these children would willingly trade places with ourselves in a heart beat. I commemorate and respect the living day lights out of these parents who are willing to go above and beyond their call of duty to give their children a chance in the coming future.