Educational requirements are strict. By fifth grade, they must be able to stand in front of a group and read from a book and tell a story. To move from seventh to eighth grade and be able to attend either a vocational school or college preparatory school, all children must first pass an exam, which is not easy. If they don't get educated, it's practically impossible to get out of the trap. The government does what it can to promote education, but funds are low and the number of public school teachers has been reduced.
Books are expensive and limited, and children often have to share.
Teachers in Mazabuka care about their students. Many spend extra time after school helping children who are falling behind. They also try to send books home with the children so that they can practice reading at home. To do more of this, teachers need more books. This year's Thanksgiving project endeavors to raise funds to buy and mail as many books as possible to the school.