Street Schools

We visited a "street school" last week. Basically "street school" refers to schools that are either literally taught in the street because of the lack of facilities or schools that are taught in random, run-down portables or at ancient wooden desks behind houses etc. We learned that the education system is in need of reform. Many people teaching children are not certified teachers, simply volunteers or random people recruited within the community. Thus, many children are not taught correctly and taught incorrect items - for example with writing, improper rules are taught etc. This is not to say that the entire education system is faulty here. In actuality, there are very high-standards within the education system that require dedication and great intelligence. Those who excel in school are provided with greater opportunities. The education system in Dakar is slightly difficult to comprehend not because it seems as if there are two extremes: either students are discriminated against because they are not bright/qualified enough to meet the high standards, or students are not given proper educational experiences. I have not quite figured it out though because there are quite a few universities, colleges, and learning centers here as well schools of all different levels - education is such an important and prideful aspect of life here and yet there are many issues connected with it that are consistently discussed.
Our Linfield group took a van to an impoverished area in the city of Dakar to visit a school and speak with the children and their instructor. The children were precious as well as slightly forward. They wanted their picture taken over and over and held our hands and arms like we were treasure. The times that were most awkward were when the kids wanted us to buy their parents items for sell or when we were walking in small alleyways between houses being shown different food stands etc. I simply felt bad for being there. It was a slightly overwhelming experience because I did not want to take pictures and be the "American" coming into the "slums" to take pictures of the "poverty stricken children" but... our guide, the instructor man, and the children insisted on us taking pictures. I only took pictures in the school areas and not of the people living, working, or sleeping in the many nooks and crannies of the community-maze. Here is a glimpse of the experience - note: some of them are blurry and a little off because the little-ones were pulling on my arms and squirming about as I took them. Also, as a concluding thought - I believe I might volunteer at this "school" (even though it is difficult for me to call it an educational space) once in a while as a decent human act even though I doubt my presence will provide much help to the children's future - maybe I can simply be a friend.