Comments on: After They’ve Seen Paris? http://www.leapingstone.org/2010/01/after-theyve-seen-paris/ "Providing quality, sustainable primary education for girls and boys in West Africa" Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:52:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: donpeterson http://www.leapingstone.org/2010/01/after-theyve-seen-paris/comment-page-1/#comment-25 donpeterson Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:49:45 +0000 http://www.leapingstone.org/?p=361#comment-25 Comment test, we are trying to configure this comment section to be seen by default... Comment test, we are trying to configure this comment section to be seen by default…

]]> By: Erica http://www.leapingstone.org/2010/01/after-theyve-seen-paris/comment-page-1/#comment-24 Erica Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:48:02 +0000 http://www.leapingstone.org/?p=361#comment-24 I understand the need to be sensitive to the possible changes that education could have on the existing culture of the peoples. Yet, what's the alternative? If an education changes people, it is for the betterment of the society at large. It's not a matter of 'progress' as it is of bettering one's quality of life. I cannot see how basic maths, health care and trade skills can do anything but good for both individuals and the community. I think of this especially for the young women of Western Africa. I just finished a book called "The Cruelest Journey" by Kira Salak, documenting her solo kayak up the Niger River to Timbuktu. It upset me immensely to learn about the female genital mutilation that over 90% of the women in Mali still undergo. I can't help but cast judgement on the society for condoning this and feel that education is the only way for both men and women to break these horrible traditions. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that in my opinion, you should continue building schools. No question about it. I understand the need to be sensitive to the possible changes that education could have on the existing culture of the peoples. Yet, what’s the alternative? If an education changes people, it is for the betterment of the society at large. It’s not a matter of ‘progress’ as it is of bettering one’s quality of life. I cannot see how basic maths, health care and trade skills can do anything but good for both individuals and the community. I think of this especially for the young women of Western Africa. I just finished a book called “The Cruelest Journey” by Kira Salak, documenting her solo kayak up the Niger River to Timbuktu. It upset me immensely to learn about the female genital mutilation that over 90% of the women in Mali still undergo. I can’t help but cast judgement on the society for condoning this and feel that education is the only way for both men and women to break these horrible traditions.

So, I guess what I’m trying to say is that in my opinion, you should continue building schools. No question about it.

]]> By: Vicki Baker http://www.leapingstone.org/2010/01/after-theyve-seen-paris/comment-page-1/#comment-23 Vicki Baker Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:37:42 +0000 http://www.leapingstone.org/?p=361#comment-23 I know it will bring change but if the village supports what you are doing, then it is important to continue. What next? It would be wonderful if this could be an experience that results in training others to build schools. I know it will bring change but if the village supports what you are doing, then it is important to continue. What next? It would be wonderful if this could be an experience that results in training others to build schools.

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