Unfortunately, the school attendance issues is showing why that culture continues. They aren't placing importance on education. In such a large scale, I don't know what it will take to change it. Parents have to be in the forefront of education, and if they aren't, then the kids aren't getting any encouragement at home. Vicious cycle. Some parents pay for private schooling, homeschooling, and are involved in their child's education in the public schools. Sadly, the majority do not.
I use to think school uniforms were bizarre, and setting the kids back. I no longer feel that way. If all kids are dressed the same, then within the school setting, those less fortunate won't stand out. I never cared about brand name clothing. But I see that I was not the norm. Having raised my own kids, I see how much it influences which groups you can be a part of, which will allow your kids to play sports, etc. And sadly, the adults are behind that.
I wish I had a magic wand. A crystal ball that was accurate. Someway
to have answers, and find solutions. On a small scale, I know a few things I've said have influenced kids, but on a larger scale, I don't see it happening. When you're brought up in an environment that thinks the govt is there to keep you alive, and you have nothing to strive for but getting free food, and free housing...then how can we affect that?? It seems we're up against a brick wall! There shouldn't have to be rules and regulations about going to school, getting the most you can out of it, and thriving to be whatever your dreams are. But sadly, we're seeing that the kids might only want to follow in their parents' footsteps. Drug dealing, prostitution, stealing, waiting for the next handout. This is so sad.
Yesterday, I tried not to focus on these issues. It's really affecting me. I hurt for these people and for their children. I don't know how deeply seated their ideations are, and if in another environment they would blossom, or fall back on their tried and true means.
I'm going back out to plant some more in the garden. I be damned if I am only going to eat whatever poisoned, GMO, food the govt is setting out for me! No, I want homegrown, tasty things that I grew with my blood, sweat, and tears! Today, a lot of tears.

Lettuces, radishes, carrots will grow well in containers, as will tomatoes. If you only have a porch, or piece of a sidewalk, you can grow them. I'd rather grow a garden then to keep mowing this darn yard! I'm ok with the entire yard becoming a garden! A community garden! I tried that a few years ago. People wouldn't even come pick the things after I'd done all the work. But would gladly accept it if I picked it for them.

Didn't want to pay for my eggs, because my hens give them to me for free! But head to the grocery store and pay for those. And my eggs aren't free! I have to feed my chickens!! Grain isn't cheap, and steadily going up. They do free range, and get bugs and grasses, but they still get their egg laying pellets.