Watching my son’s graduation ceremony this week, I wondered, Why is this such a big deal? Why do we celebrate this so religiously?
In studies published earlier this year, headlines lauded eighty percent of US students graduated from high school in 2012, the highest percentage since they’ve been keeping track. I immediately wondered, What about that 20%?
And what about disabled American students who, according to an article in USNews, graduate “at a rate of about 20 percent less than the national average…. In Nevada, the graduation rate for students with disabilities is 24 percent.” For Hispanic and African American students, the graduation rate also dips 10 to 15 percent below the national average.
In developing countries around the world, the number are far more depressing. Liberia graduates 65%—from primary school. Mozambique’s stats are worse: 52%. In many of these countries, mandatory fees for uniforms, books, and supplies put education out of reach. In the Dominican Republic, where unemployment hovers around 40%, the average family makes less than $500 per month. With school fees ranging from $75-100 per child, only 52% complete high school and this figure drops precipitously in rural areas where most schooling stops after 5th grade.
For girls in many countries, fighting for an education is a matter of life and death, as Malala so courageously demonstrated.
Most of you reading this article not only graduated from college but have advanced degrees. Our privilege affords us opportunities and a lifestyle that many around the world continue to envy. I am by no means attempting to make anyone feel guilty for that privilege, but I do hope to encourage all of you to leverage it by stretching to help others receive what we so often take for granted. So yes, let’s celebrate the accomplishments of our high school graduates and let us not forget those in our country and across the globe who can only dream about receiving their diplomas.
Worthy causes:
Teach for America
Direct support for a college student (Your chance to directly support one high school senior’s college education. Check it out!)
World Vision