For many families in Waterford, as we approach the back-to-school period, thoughts turn to the significant associated costs.
These are often stationery, schoolbags, new shoes, haircuts and more of what we see as 'typical' costs.
While the costs combined are significant, they pale in comparison to the costs facing many families this year. These are the cost-of-living expenses for families already living far below the breadline.
Back-to-School Reality Facing Families in Waterford
Teacher Katie Chance spoke on air with Ollie and Dymphna about the reality that each and every day in schools in Waterford, there are students who are going without.
In her experience, they are going without food, without clean running water, without the basics that many other households will take for granted.
Back-to-School Costs
She reflected on some of the mounting educational costs including the annual voluntary student contribution, in some cases the cost of the purchase or rental of a tablet device required by the school.
As a teacher, she said it is incredibly difficult to ask students to buy extra folders for notes or extra copies, when pupils are taking extra from the Breakfast Club just to ensure they have something to eat at home later that day.
This sobering interview is a heartfelt plea from Ms Chance for society to do more as we approach the back-to-school period, to be better, and to assist students in breaking the cycle of poverty endemic in schools in Waterford.
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