Although education is frequently referred to as the “great equalizer”, it is more of a privilege than a right for underprivileged communities. All across the globe, millions of children and adults lack access to quality education and opportunities because of many differing reasons: poverty, inequity, limited resources.
Without access to proper schooling and education, individuals face very limited job opportunities with reduced potential to earn money, creating a cycle of poverty that can span for generations. However, I don’t believe that education is just about academics – it’s a way to spark change and a foundation for a more strong, equitable society.
Schools in disadvantaged areas often struggle with outdated textbooks, deficient technology, overcrowded classes, teacher shortages, etc. It seems as if qualified teachers leave for wealthier districts where they could hold higher paid positions. For students, this means they have fewer resources and smaller chances of success; one of the most significant and often overlooked problems being that they have an internal belief that they are not capable of success. This mindset of children and students coming from underserved communities stem from a lack of support, role models, individual attention, etc. With the high student-teacher ratios present in many underprivileged schools, it is nearly impossible for students to receive the one on one guidance they need to thrive. For orphans or students coming from unstable homes, this situation is even more dire. Without a parent or guardian to guide them, advocate for their education, or even to help them with their homework, these students often fall through the cracks.
Individual tutoring, although many might not agree, is a luxury that we take for granted. The abundance of resources that are provided and available for us is like gold for others. The lack of resources is often compounded by a lack of belief. Students who grew up in environments where opportunities felt out of reach have internalized the message that success is not meant for them. They may think “Why should I try if I’m just going to fail?”.
For the past 5 years, I’ve been blessed to tutor and help students in underprivileged communities, ranging from kindergarten through high school. A common statement I’ve heard from the kids is “I can’t do this”. While this may seem like an ordinary statement that we say everyday, these kids mentally and physically internalize this, having no confidence or trust in their abilities or capabilities. As students ourselves, I think we can all play a role in helping encourage those who don’t believe in themselves. By simply providing mentorship and support, we can display a message that they actually are capable and have so much potential, creating a future where they have the chance to dream, learn, and succeed.
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