Lesson for parents

I read ‘Schools shone as a beacon of hope in our lost decade’ (Joe Duffy, MoS, September 17).

I am passionate about education. I was heading for 50 before I went to third level.

Education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty and despair. Education is good any time but better in your youth, so that you can enjoy all the benefits of a good career. Joe Duffy did not cover the two main reasons why many children from disadvantaged backgrounds don’t succeed in education. No matter how hard schools work to educate all children equally, it will not work without the cooperation of parents.

Teachers do their best but they can have 30 or more in their classes. It is up to parents to make sure children attend school every day and that homework is understood and completed.

It is up to parents to give their children ambition and a love of learning and keep them off the streets and away from unsuitable company. And disadvantage is no excuse because care and guidance do not require money.

The second reason is the State. The Government will never want complete equality in education. If everyone had an education who would do the dirty, low-paid work for the elite and the property owners?

Maureen Lowndes, Geashill, Co. Offaly.