9781422281383

Who can study in such an environment? Not surprisingly, many students drop out. Some join gangs or roam the streets, some go to jail, some even get killed. Only about one-third actu- ally stay in school to receive their high school diploma. Yet, without this precious piece of paper, it is impossible to get a good job or go on to college. Even those who stay, like Roxana, have huge difficulties. To go to college, students must study chemistry. But while there are plenty of classes in subjects like cooking, floor-covering, and make-up, there are only a few classes for chemistry. It is difficult to get career advice and to prepare for exams. No won- der most students drop out. Meanwhile, in wealthy west Los Angeles, students attend schools with small classes, good equipment and interesting subjects. Nearly every student will go on to college, which their absolute poverty— when people lack the basic things needed to survive. bigha— a measure of land, used in India and Bangladesh. charity— a group or organization that aims to help people or provide a service without making a profit. discrimination— treating people differently and unfairly because of their gender, race or ethnic background, or way of life. op shop— Australian term for charity or second-hand shop. relative poverty— when people lack the basic things needed to live a good life in their society. sanitation— hygienic ways of disposing of rubbish and human waste. Words to Understand in This Chapter

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Poverty