Unperceived relevance of formal education in rural communities

Although education prepares children, young people and adults to deal practically with life situations, schooling beyond the sixth grade is seldom pursued in most rural villages of Third World countries, and residents continue to stand outside the mainstream of society, lacking the self-assurance that comes from achievement in education. Some families even consider elementary school unnecessary when children are needed to help their families on the farm. Part-time farming is a familiar task and other skills seem too time-consuming and difficult to learn. A sense of prevailing inadequacy stifles the urge to relate seriously to the modern world.