To what extent do parents in certain countries go to ensure their children receive an education?
Access to quality education is essential for every child as it shapes their future prospects. However, according to the UN, more than 60 million young children around the world do not have the opportunity to attend school, primarily due to financial constraints.
In some countries, many children are compelled to work from a young age to earn their own food, leaving them with little time for formal education. They assist their parents with family businesses or engage in various jobs. Additionally, some children shoulder the responsibility of caring for younger siblings while their parents are occupied with work.
Recently, a teacher from Cambodia shed light on the challenging circumstances faced by one of his students through a photograph of the student’s homemade backpack. The father had crafted the backpack himself not out of a passion for craftsmanship, but rather due to the lack of funds to purchase one.
It is remarkable to see how parents, driven by their unwavering dedication to their children’s well-being and education, make tremendous sacrifices. They labor tirelessly, support their children’s aspirations, and strive to provide them with even a semblance of formal education. Such stories have garnered attention, with one parent gaining recognition for capturing the extent of his efforts through photography.
In the case mentioned earlier, the child’s mother revealed that the cost of a simple school bag in their locality amounted to around 30,000 riels, equivalent to approximately 7 US dollars. While some parents manage to afford such schoolbags, NY Keng’s father, a humble farmer, did not possess the means to purchase one. Nonetheless, he resolved to create a bag for his son himself using leftover raffia, skillfully weaving it into a backpack.
The photograph of this homemade bag garnered widespread attention on social media, capturing people’s admiration for the father’s talent and his commitment to providing the best opportunities for his child. The teacher expressed gratitude to the father for this heartfelt gift to his son. Subsequently, numerous individuals stepped forward to assist the family in need.
