Libya; Then & Now!

By Nuha Dadesh

     All over the world, revolutions occur, and every revolution has its legacies.

     I am a 15-year-old Libyan girl that left Libya five and a half years ago since my father wanted to get his PhD in the United States of America. My family and I left our extended family and basically everything behind and started a new life in Dearborn, Michigan. When I came back, I began to realize that Libya is the same old Libya.

     Back when I was in Libya, school meant old desks and chalk boards. Recess was a time of coming up with games to play because none were offered. Teachers were allowed to physically and verbally abuse the students. No one was excluded from the abuse unless you knew someone who was in power. We were prearranged too many subjects in a school year. For example, a fourth grader had at least six subjects ( besides the electives like art and music ). Most Libyan students did not anticipate school.

     School in Libya now means marker boards and the same old desks. The school "cafeteria" consists of a dirty area filled with sand and garbage. Teachers who want to hit the students are still able to if they want; if you wanted to be excluded, bring someone important that you know or someone with weapons. The same subjects are given, except for the Gaddafi-related topics. Students nowadays are happy when they have days off because of civil disobedience or when militias are stirring up trouble.

          When temperatures are high in Libya, students sweat in their classrooms and struggle to find a method to help them stay cool due to the lack of air conditioners. While in the winter, students sit in class freezing and waiting to go home because heaters are also not available!

     Note: there are some schools in Libya that are modernized.

     In conclusion, school is one of many things that did not alter. Libya hasn't changed much for the average citizen. Two main things changed though: the flag and the national anthem.