Education has to be free,
Or definitely should be,
At least, that’s what I feel,
Current circumstances, notwithstanding.

Educators and Teachers,
Have to be appreciated,
Adequately remunerated,
ALWAYS people, before profits.

When the only difference,
Between schools attended,
Comes down to a question of payment,
The reality is even more pertinent.

No more high-end facilities,
Infrastructure, to boast of,
Connections for future endeavours,
Education has to be free.

No native English speakers,
Nor the best system or curricullum,
Makes much of a difference,
When it’s all on Zoom or Google clasroom.

Children need human connection,
Social interaction and attention,
A guide who shows interest,
An environment to thrive, to be their best.

There should not be such gross disparity,
Such a difference in perceived quality,
Between what money can buy or not,
How would some ever get out of their rut?

Language fluency and prowess,
Inclusive/special needs education,
Networking opportunities,
Available for everyone.

Perhaps it sounds idealistic,
Yet, simultaneously cynical,
It is however achievable,
It starts with you and me.

In the end, it depends on the individual,
The home and the family,
The drive to push oneself further,
Even if the odds are not in your favour.

These thoughts were always around,
It’s just that the world we live in now,
Has brought it to the fore,
Where do we go from here?

So many things to say on the subject,
A single poem seems inadequate,
Hopefully, it ignites some questions,
Starts a dialogue, in the right direction.

Cover image by Tra Nguyen on Unsplash