Thursday, April 14, 2011 @11:59 pm
Someone posted the link for the trailer of 'The First Grader' on facebook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XUAkZbB_6c&feature=share
This is the story of Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge, who enrolled in a primary school at the age of 84, after Kenya announced free education for all. He attended school everyday, even when he was in a wheelchair, and was even the head boy.
The story of a man who wanted so much to learn, and was so hardworking and conscientious. And here we are, being sick and tired of school.
Do we not appreciate what we have?
To a certain extent, no we do not. When we hear of stories like Maruge's, we sit back and think for while (like I am doing now), how lucky we are. But tomorrow, it'll probably all be gone.
Do we not see the value in education?
Of course we do, why else are we in uni?
Do we not enjoy learning?
I'm quite sure we do. Afterall, we picked our own courses.
Blame it on the system?
If Maruge lived in Singapore, would he be as overwhelmed with work as we are? Would be contemplate ponning classes? Would he complain of having to write papers and prepare presentations?
I think not.
But I think, it'd be a different matter if he had grown up in Singapore. He'd then probably be like the rest of us. Occasionally feeling as if education had been forced upon him, ploughing through piles of work to meet deadlines, to tackle exams...
My conclusion is that one would have to be as deprived as he was to have his attitude, otherwise it is rather inevitable to be like the rest of us...
Is this an excuse? I think so.