If you look at the majority of governments in the world, there's only a moderate attention to things like education, health, culture, etc.. Unless it's actually on the basis of the country's history and focus or by popular demand/revolt.
This isn't limited to third world/authoritarian regimes. Those have cases where there's investment because the economy actually depends on these (i.e.: a country that's a usual vacation destination invest in culture, one that "imports health patients" invest in health, although education can usually be disregarded in any case).
Granted, there seems to be a bias in the child's comments, BUT that doesn't mean they are completely wrong; even if her explanation is.
Today's education fails on a number of fronts, you don't need to look at race (from teachers or pupils) to find the culprit (granted there are cases). I point to the failure of policy makers, the grand education system with it's various components and throw in a share of the blame to the parents and general public as well.