Use role models to inspire pupils - Princess Bagaaya

Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya of Toro Kingdom has advised schools to regularly invite role models to inspire students to excel in their studies. 

Bagaaya who has juggled roles on the international stage as a lawyer, politician, diplomat, model and actress, was speaking as the guest of honour during her visit to Dream Africa School in Naalya on Thursday. 

"If schools invite prominent people like doctors, teachers, politicians and artistes to speak to students, it will encourage them to exploit their talents and help the country to get more professionals," Bagaaya explained. 

Bagaaya noted that the idea of involving prominent figures in learners' education early in life will help build a generation of confident and creative young people. 

"I feel that this is the beginning of the journey to a big fundamental change in the education system. Schools should use this as a model to improve the value and standard of education," she stated.  

Bagaaya also advised the children to be ready to take on leadership roles and make the right decisions about their life choices.  

"A role model is a person, who inspires and encourages us to strive for greatness, see the best in ourselves and live to our fullest potential. A role model is someone we admire and someone we aspire to be like. We learn through them, through their commitment to excellence and through their ability to make us realise our own personal growth. 

A role model can be any one; a teacher, a parent, a sibling, a friend, an uncle or an aunt. One of our most influential and life-changing role models are teachers" she said. 

"Being with children six to nine hours a day, five days a week, you as a teacher, you are poised to become one of the most influential people in your students' life. As these students grow from one stage to the other, you patiently guide and counsel them. In other words, you not only watch your students grow, you help them grow" she added. 

Princess Bagaaya meeting the school administrators during the visit. Photo by Tony Rujuta

Farooq Wasil, the head of GEMS Education Global, said exposing children to their icons early in life inspires them to work hard to achieve their goals.  

"It is good for children to know their icons because it helps them to create a mental picture of what their lives will be when they leave school," Wasil said. 

With over 30 years of involvement in the field of education, Wasil who has a doctorate specializing in Education is currently the Global Head, Affordable Schools Division, GEMS. 

The pupils of Dream Africa School - Naalya welcomed the idea of bringing role models to their school in all fields like politicians, sports personnel, farmers, business people, artists, educationists to mention but a few.