School is a great place to learn, but it’s not the only place. You learn from your family at home, your pastor at church and your coach at practice. You learn from making mistakes, listening to teachers and reading. Still, it’s very important that all kids go to school so they can learn about the world and get skills they can use in their jobs someday! Let’s see how these kids in other countries learn!
Hi, I’m Sara! Today I am starting second grade. Here I am outside my home. My parents don’t have a lot of money, and they couldn’t afford everything I needed to start school. So my sponsor helped pay for my school supplies, uniform and shoes. When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so I can help sick people feel better!
Whom do you want to be when you grow up?
I’m 12-year-old Eyueal. Ever since I was very little, I have been unable to walk. My mom could not afford a wheelchair. So I would sit on the floor and watch other kids walk to school. I wished I could go and learn with them! After I joined Compassion’s program, my church got us this wheelchair and helped enroll me in school. Now I’m learning so much!
Where do you do your homework?
I’m Cyrene, and I’m ready to walk to school from my home in the Philippines. In my backpack I’m carrying books, notebooks, my lunch, pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener. How many animals do you see in this photo? I hope they don’t follow me to school! My dad’s job is to care for animals. The animals also care for us by giving us food like eggs and milk.
What's your teacher's name?
I’m Andrés, and I’m 9 years old. Here I am with my dad outside our home. He had to quit school after fourth grade. Some kids who grow up in poverty, like Papá did, have to quit school to work jobs so their families can afford food and a home. But Papá still knows lots of things. He helped teach me to read and write. I’m excited to go to school today to learn even more! After school, tutors at my Compassion center help me with schoolwork. Who are all the people in your life who teach you things?
How do you get to school?
Hi, I’m Rihanata. I’m 10 years old and go to school in West Africa. Some days after school, I get to go to my Compassion center and learn even more. I practice my writing and drawing skills in letters to my sponsor. When I was 5, I had a terrible accident. I tripped and spilled a pot of boiling sauce all over my body. The Compassion program helped pay for the hospital visit and medicines I needed. Today I have burn scars but am not in pain anymore. I love to play and learn with my friends at school and the Compassion center!
What do you have in your backpack?
Kids around the world have all kinds of unique ways to get to school! Sadly, some kids who live in poverty live far away from the nearest school and can’t get there because their families can’t afford cars or taxis. Other kids walk for hours each day to get to school. Let’s meet some kids who are very happy they have transportation to school and their Compassion centers so they can learn!
