Yesterday was the 6th grade (grade school) graduation in La Marin and of course they are a pretty big deal, like anywhere. As I was watching all the kids get their diplomas though, I started thinking a little more. My middle school graduation was a huge deal, but honestly there was no question that I would be passing 8th grade and even high school. Both of my parents are college educated and so therefore even the idea of going to college or not never even crossed my mind. Here though, the other volunteers and I teach adult classes - which are literacy classes for those adults that do not even have a primary school education. When I saw 3 of my adult students' children receive awards for being first in their respective grades and then the 25 6th graders graduating, it put it in perspective for me that this really is a big deal! Finishing elementary school already puts most of them way ahead of their parents and on track to get out of poverty. Just a little thought....
Bittersweet (but it will be fun) weekend ahead!
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