Embracing Education is Good News!

The other day when checking the morning news I was struck by the image below.  It shows several kids making a perilous journey across what appears to be a broken bridge.  The picture alone was enough to compel me to read the article and learn what would prompt such a life threatening actions. 

Were they running from the conflict of war, or evacuating a village in advance of a natural disaster.  Both seemed like viable and realistic options.  At least enough to cause these children to risk life and limb.  But a mere second or so after seeing the picture I began to read the article itself.  These children are walking to school .  Yes, school.  The backstory is simple, and not near as important as why they make such a journey.  In short, the footbridge these children take to school was washed away in the recent floods that had pummeled Southeast Asia. 

You see, shortly after the bridge washed out both the schools and the children's parents decided that the "show must go on".  In other words, school was still open and kids were expected to be there.  So grab your books, pack your lunch and off you go.  But this was not like waiting for the school bus, or hopping into mom and dad's SUV to be dropped off chaeuffer style.  Quite the opposite.  On this trip to school, one misstep, one slip and down you go in the river.  So, yes, in our eyes we may see such risky behavior as not worth it.  After all, ours is a culture of snow days, rain days, even Casimir Pulaski Days as reason to not have school.  But I wonder about these children and the appreciation for education that this community has.  I wonder if in their eyes they see the risk of not going to school far greater than the one they take daily to simply get to school.  Sure, they could slip and fall, but what would happen if they miss school, lose an the opportunity of an education and a brighter future.  What happens if they miss one day, one week, or one month of school while waiting for the bridge to be rebuilt.  To them they must wonder what is the greater risk? 

I'll admit, I find this an amazing story, but I give deference to these children, their parents and community for embracing the true value of an education and what it can bring.  Not only as far as career options or income potential, that much is obvious.  But moreso what it means about one's character, values and again, a sense of community.  In our country we still value education no doubt, but do we realize the true gift that is put before us when a teacher takes time out of his/her day to teach.  To open a door to possibiliitees within the world, and more importantly within yourself.  We are often quick to pray for snow days, or to scurry and complete our one hour of homework so that we can dart off to play on the Wii, post on facebook or drag our fingers across an ipad.  But ultimately is the enrichment gained over one week of such a routine, near as much as the one day of education these children receive after making such a perilous journey. 

What would happen to our society if we appreciate education and seize the opportunity to learn at any costs on a level that is comparable with these children.  If it's too vast to imagine how much it wold change our society, then simply imagine how much it would change your child and your family. 

True, we can't mimic the perilous journey, nor would I want to for my family, but I am inspired to tap into what these children know.  Education is the answer.  And education is the key to all that can be within our selves and our community.

Yes, education is good news.  But an appreciation of it and all that it can bring, well, that's even greater!