" You know, The school is inside their village, nearby, so, at least, they don't have to worry about taking the kids to the school in faraway places. You know like that."
During the rule of Gamal Abdel Nasser girls were encouraged to go to school, and women exhorted to join the workforce, as part of the general push for economic development.
Last, if we stirred up our brains and gave children little help, those who did not want to go to school could find other things to do, things many children now do during their holidays.
Maybe you found them different because you're a more mature student now, whereas when you were studying in your country you were younger and not so assertive.