A recent story on BBC Africa related the interesting fact that out of 25,000 applicants for entrance to the University of Liberia, not one passed. Though this is obviously an aberration, it is not unusual for students at all levels in West Africa to be graded very harshly. This makes the dedication that many of their students possess all the more remarkable. The system is often perceived as unfair and opaque, but people still work very hard to try to succeed in it.
This is of course a great contrast to the U.S., where many of us feel or even believe that everyone should finish first at everything. Yet in spite of incredible educational advantages and opportunities, most students seem to view school not as a priceless opportunity, but as a necessary evil if not a conspiracy by adults to rob youth of their freedom.
These two sets of generalizations are exaggerations, but they illustrate major differences--and strengths--between the two educational systems. West Africa would benefit from a more humane approach to education, and the U.S. would benefit from higher standards and expectations.
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