Returning to my old school recently brought back memories I had not thought about in years.

I had dropped my nephew off for the day, and as I walked past the playground, the classrooms and the familiar corridors, a wave of nostalgia hit me. It felt as though I had stepped back into my younger self’s world, a world filled with hope, dreams and determination.

I remembered sitting in those small blue classroom chairs, staring out the windows and imagining a future far bigger than the community I grew up in.

Even as a child, I somehow knew there was more to life. I knew education was the key that could unlock opportunities beyond my circumstances.

Lessons beyond poverty

I come from a disadvantaged background where money was often tight. My parents worked hard to make ends meet, and there were many things we simply could not afford.

I was never the child who arrived at school wearing the latest fashion on civvies day. I remember days when paying school fees felt impossible for my parents. Yet, despite the struggles, they never allowed our financial situation to become an excuse for missing school.

Education was non-negotiable in our home. My parents constantly reminded me that no one could take knowledge away from me. They believed education was the one thing that could change the direction of my life.

Looking back now, I realise the sacrifices they made to ensure my sister and I had that opportunity. They may not have been able to give us material things, but they gave us discipline, encouragement and a reason to strive for more.

My way of thanking then was simple, I worked hard. I studied, respected my teachers and made sure I achieved good marks because I understood what was at stake.

I knew that every test passed and every report card improved brought me one step closer to a better future.

Concern for today’s learners

Today as I watch learners making their way to school in the morning, I cannot help but feel concerned. On some days it is already past 08:30 and some are casually strolling to school with no sense of urgency. Some look disengaged and uninterested.

It makes me wonder what has changed. Have our young people become disconnected from the value of education? Or are they simply overwhelmed by the realities they face daily?

Today’s learners are growing up in a world filled with distractions, social pressures and uncertainty. Many are exposed to unemployment, violence, poverty and social media influences that can easily make education feel less important.

A shared responsibility

For some, it may be difficult to dream about the future when survival feels like the priority.
This is why motivation cannot come from schools alone. Parents, communities, teachers and mentors all have a role to play in shaping young minds. Children need to see examples of perseverance.

They need encouragement and guidance. Most importantly, they need hope.
We cannot expect young people to value education if society itself appears to undervalue their potential.

Sometimes all it takes is one teacher, one family member or one opportunity to inspire a child to believe in themselves.

I wish those in power would take up that challenge. How many leaders have walked through the halls of their former schools and asked themselves what they could do to create lasting change there?

Build more schools, more libraries and safer spaces for learning. Invest in these future leaders and give them a reason to be excited about education.

Create opportunities that make learners eager to get to school because they can see a future waiting for them beyond the classroom, a future filled with possibility, dignity and meaningful work.

As I left the school grounds that day, I realised the classrooms are still filled with dreamers, children with untapped potential waiting to be nurtured.

The challenge is making sure they do not lose sight of those dreams before they even begin.

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