The book by Adharanand Finn “Running with the Kenyans” shows that the dominant feature in order to become an athlete in Kenya is: the desire to succeed. It’s this idea that acts as a locomotive for all the others. This idea should make us think as too often we as parents, teachers or coaches think that it is not the result of a culture where the young grow but almost a gift that it has touched someone. While attribute it at the culture in which we live, it means to know the answer to the drop-out of young people from the sport but also from the school.
It is not just a personal matter of every boy and girl, it depends on how it’s organized our social environment. If in Kenya there is a culture of race rooted and pervasive, how do we develop a culture of sport in Italy, but also to study so significant? What are the models to emulate that send to young people? Because if we do not act to answer these questions, we will never integrate with the need for commitment and dedication with an abundance offer of schooling and sports.
Have the opportunity to choose between multiple paths is to be welcomed but it becomes useless if it is not combined with the desire to succeed. In case of failure is jumping from one school to another, who can pay a diploma in a private school or leave school altogether. But if the kids do not know or choose not undertake, the responsibility is of the school and the parents who are not good teachers.
