Identify, develop childrens' talents early

Dec 15, 2011

The educational system in Uganda has not contributed to the development of the country. This is why we still need to invite foreign experts despite the many master’s degree holders.

The educational system in Uganda has not contributed to the development of the country. This is why we still need to invite foreign experts despite the many master’s degree holders.

It appears to be meaningless going to school for close to 20 years and come out when one cannot practise what they have studied.

The educational system is quite unreliable. People study a lot of irrelevant material. This is why one even reaches high school without being sure of his ambition. They leave it to fate.

Why not emulate the system of identifying the child’s talent (interests) at an early stage and developing it as is the case in developed countries? This will reduce the level of unemployment as it will help learners leave school with practical knowledge and skills.

Why don’t we encourage our children to concentrate on what they can do best and are taught essential skills like English and mathematics alongside?

Many people/students who are less interested in academics are usually good in other fields such as music, football, and drama, among others. Doing subjects one is not interested in makes some students give up, while others end up doing courses they do not like.

In developed countries, one studies something he has ever seen or he will see someday. This is why many of them come to East Africa. Unfortunately, for us, we study about places we have never visited and have no hope of visiting.

What is the use of studying the history of Europe even more than the European themselves? I doubt whether Sean Kingston (a popular international artiste)  knows the history or geography of North America, but he is earning big money. Talent can make one an achiever, for example, football stars. 

The education ministry should improve the education system. Mathematics is to be compulsory at A’level effective next year. If O’level or even primary school mathematics makes a student cringe, how about at A’level?

Let us adjust the educational system accordingly considering talent and then we shall have a developed Uganda in all aspects.

Felix Mulumba
St. Cyprian High School, Kyabakadde
Senior Six

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