To the Kenyan families, school doesn't really matter because none of them are going on to college. Almost all of drop out of school and so, they're spending their time learning things that are important to them.

The quote, "To the Kenyan families, school doesn't really matter because none of them are going on to college. Almost all of them drop out of school and so, they're spending their time learning things that are important to them," by Robert Sternberg, offers a perspective on the cultural and practical realities that influence education in certain communities. Sternberg, a renowned psychologist and educator, reflects on the priorities of Kenyan families who may not see formal schooling as essential due to the lack of access to higher education opportunities. He suggests that, for many, the time spent in school is not valued because the outcome of higher education is not within reach, leading them to focus on more practical skills and knowledge relevant to their immediate lives.

Sternberg’s comment highlights the disconnect between traditional education systems and the needs of underprivileged communities where access to college or formal career opportunities is limited. For these families, the value of learning is placed on practical and local knowledge, which can provide more immediate benefits than an academic education that may not lead to tangible opportunities. This brings attention to how education is shaped by socioeconomic realities, where survival skills and personal relevance outweigh the pursuit of formal academic achievements.

The quote also challenges the conventional view of formal education and its one-size-fits-all approach. Sternberg is implying that intelligence and learning are not solely defined by success in a traditional classroom setting, but rather by how individuals choose to adapt and learn in a way that directly impacts their lives and communities. The idea that practical knowledge and self-directed learning can be just as valuable as formal schooling offers a broader understanding of what it means to be educated.

Ultimately, Sternberg’s words remind us to reconsider the value of education in different cultural and economic contexts. For many, survival and relevant skills in their environment take precedence over pursuing formal education, underscoring the importance of creating inclusive education systems that respect and accommodate the unique needs of all communities.