Is denying education justifiable?

It’s often said that when a student goes to school or college, he or she brings the whole family with him or her. Indeed, education is often touted as the great equaliser, offering children the opportunity to break free from the shackles of financial imbalance and achieve their full potential.

However, for millions of children around the world, this promise remains elusive due to financial barriers that prevent them from accessing education. Whether it is school fees, uniform costs, or other expenses, the inability to pay can have profound consequences on a child’s future. I aim to explore the challenges faced by children unable to afford school fees and look for potential solutions to ensure that every child has the right to education.

I happened to meet a few parents who are genuinely battling to pay the fees of their children, grappling with severe financial hardship stemming from job losses, meager wages, or unforeseen expenses that have stretched their already tight budgets to the breaking point. In societies worldwide, the impact of socio-economic status on children’s development and opportunities is a recurring theme especially after Covid-19. For many children, the journey towards success is often fraught with challenges from the outset. After having a recent discussion with many of the parents, I was shocked to learn that a large number of parents are experiencing economic hardships due to various reasons. Understanding these struggles is crucial for implementing effective policies and interventions to break the cycle of their economic struggles.

As we understand, those children face a myriad of challenges that stem from economic strain. Indubitably, I would say that financial instability within the household can lead to inadequate access to nutritious food, substandard living conditions, and limited access to healthcare services. These conditions not only impact physical health but also contribute to psychological stress, which can hinder cognitive development and emotional well-being. As I discussed with them, what I learned is that providing quality education is one of the significant issues.

Additionally, the stressors create unstable home environments that disrupt learning and decrease academic performance. As a result, these children are more likely to fall behind their peers. Keeping a child outside the class or asking the children to stay back at home or holding the report cards due to the pending fees can definitely take a toll on children’s emotional and psychological well-being. This kind of humiliation in-front of their peer groups, constant exposure to stressors such as housing instability, food insecurity, and familial financial struggles can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues. These mental health challenges further compound the difficulties children face in academic and social settings, hindering their ability to thrive.

By implementing policies that promote economic stability, access to quality education, the authorities can pave the way for a brighter future for all children. The struggles faced by children of low-income parents are complex and far-reaching, encompassing educational, health, and social challenges. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying socioeconomic disparities while providing targeted support to them. By investing in the well-being of all children, regardless of their economic background, societies can create a more equitable future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

While education is often considered a fundamental right, the reality is that accessing quality education comes at a cost. For many families, paying school fees, purchasing uniforms, and covering other educational expenses is simply impossible. As a result, children are forced to forego schooling. The inability to afford school fees has far-reaching consequences on children’s lives. They are denied access to education, and they are deprived of the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed.

Without an education, their prospects for employment and economic advancement are severely limited. Moreover, the emotional toll of being unable to attend school can lead to feelings of shame, exclusion, and hopelessness.