Saturday, April 06, 2013
Our Children, our future
Today, 6 April I appeared in a morning talk show on one of the radio stations in western Uganda. We were four panelists and a moderator talking about ‘Bringing up children’. All of us agreed that parents have continued to have a big challenge in bringing up children due to the current life styles and trends.
We explored the need to earn in order to contribute to the economics of the family, where by both parents have to work. This situation has continued to keep parents away from home, making children more vulnerable to any unexplained situation.
Parents have continued to leave their young children at the hands of house maids whose character is questionable. In Uganda, we don’t have companies that can train house maids such that one hires them. We instead bring these young girls from our villages, who are either school drop outs or orphans whose upbringing is also wanting. These are the type of house helps we bring in out homes to look after our children.
There is an old saying that ‘it takes a whole village to bring up a child.’ But this used to happen long time ago when capitalism had not invaded our communities. These days, no one will seem to care about your child. Each family looks after itself and God is the one who is for us all.
For us when we were growing up in 1980’s we respected our neighbor more than our own parents at home. It would be a serious crime for a neighbor to find you in wrong. We would make sure that we behave ourselves on the way to school because we knew someone was watching us. But to day things have completely changed. You meet a child on the way who hardly greets you and when you try to ask a few questions, you will be lucky if this child does not abuse you.
In the past, everyone worked towards the wellbeing of every person in the community. These days we are seeing selfishness and the ‘I am not my brother’s keeper’ situation. I don’t know whether this trend can be reversed.
There is another issue of boarding schools especially the private ones. I have one several occasions, on my visits to primary schools, seen children of 3 years boarding. This is a serious mistake parents we are doing. According to the chairman of Uganda National Examination Board and a consultant in education, Mr. Fagil Mandy, it is dangerous to take a primary level pupil to a boarding school. He says that this is the time a child needs the guidance of parents and to create a strong relationship with them. He asked parents to at least take make their children board when they join secondary school.
In this, we have left our children at the hands of teachers who hardly have enough time for all the children in their care.
Religious studies have for many years instilled discipline and respect in our children. While in school, there was compulsory prayers every morning. This could help us love our religious and God at it. Today, teachers no longer have these programs in our schools. They are interested in good grades, which the government puts them on pressure to, forgetting that this child needs morals.
The government (leadership) has also not done enough in helping parents to bring up their children. They are more interested in telling our children about their rights for getting that these rights go with responsibilities. There is not effort in their budget to program for the young who takes the highest percentage in the country.
Lastly, bringing up children should be a collective responsibility. Parents, teachers, the community and government should come up to disciplined and respectful children for these children are our future. As I said, “it takes a whole village to bring up a child”.
I wish everyone good parenting.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Time for Ugandan young people
I will use one slogan of a political organization no that I belong there, but because it is a bit relevant to what I am going to talk about. But basically it says, there nothing as important as an idea that whose time has come.
A few weeks ago, when president Museveni was addressing parliament, a number of his ministers were completely in slumber. The press was marred with pictures of these ministers and the world was able to see the nature of people that represent us in parliament.
This is not something that should be taken lightly. The majority of the people the cameras brought we those who have out lived their time in parliament and need a checking. There is need to have a vibrant parliament that should deliberate people’s concerns for the development of our country.
This can be done if young people come up to actively participate in politics. Everyone should get worried because the nation is getting a vacuum in the leadership circles. The old have adamantly refused to leave power and the youth are also reluctantly failing to unseat these outdated leaders. This vacuum will one day or the other affect those who still have more years to live.
There is a gap being created between the young and old generations. Our leaders are aging off without having replacements. Due to high rates of unemployment, whoever tries to come up, (youth aspirants) they are compromised in the sense that they are given some little money to step down.
There is need for a fresh breath on the political scene other than having the same dancers on the stage. There are regions who are sending young, educated representatives who are capable of articulating clearly issues in the house. But there those who do not care about and instead send people who doze off during the parliamentary sittings and ‘wake up to vote’ as one politician put it.
This is a trend that needs to be worked upon and it can only be dealt with when the youth actively gets involved in politics. There a lot to be done, if there is patriotism in this country, our leaders should make politics attractable to the youth such that they can get involved. Otherwise a great number of our leaders will get haunted even in their graves for mistakes they made by not allowing the young get involved in the running of our nation.
A few weeks ago, when president Museveni was addressing parliament, a number of his ministers were completely in slumber. The press was marred with pictures of these ministers and the world was able to see the nature of people that represent us in parliament.
This is not something that should be taken lightly. The majority of the people the cameras brought we those who have out lived their time in parliament and need a checking. There is need to have a vibrant parliament that should deliberate people’s concerns for the development of our country.
This can be done if young people come up to actively participate in politics. Everyone should get worried because the nation is getting a vacuum in the leadership circles. The old have adamantly refused to leave power and the youth are also reluctantly failing to unseat these outdated leaders. This vacuum will one day or the other affect those who still have more years to live.
There is a gap being created between the young and old generations. Our leaders are aging off without having replacements. Due to high rates of unemployment, whoever tries to come up, (youth aspirants) they are compromised in the sense that they are given some little money to step down.
There is need for a fresh breath on the political scene other than having the same dancers on the stage. There are regions who are sending young, educated representatives who are capable of articulating clearly issues in the house. But there those who do not care about and instead send people who doze off during the parliamentary sittings and ‘wake up to vote’ as one politician put it.
This is a trend that needs to be worked upon and it can only be dealt with when the youth actively gets involved in politics. There a lot to be done, if there is patriotism in this country, our leaders should make politics attractable to the youth such that they can get involved. Otherwise a great number of our leaders will get haunted even in their graves for mistakes they made by not allowing the young get involved in the running of our nation.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
When teachers 'roast' journalists
Paul Aruho
Their faces could easily be read they were ready for us. They wanted to know why journalist do the things they do- are they from mars?
It was a challenging experience when I met student teachers of at Bushenyi primary teachers’ college in Bushenyi district early this week. They had called me to discuss for them how journalists go about their work, the role and challenges journalists face and the possible opportunities if one joins the profession.
I did some preparations to make sure that I am not caught off guard by these informed people. I called my colleague Chris Ahimbisibwe and we went together. On our way, they called to find out whether were coming.
We found they had already assembled and was welcomed by Sister Sophie Kentwiga, the head of language studies at the college. I immediately went on stage and took the students through the journalistic work, with Ahimbisibwe filling the ‘potholes’ in my address. The students were attentive and did not have a rough time at this level. After our talk, there come the time of questions.
“I want to know what drives you as you do your work. Your nature of work seems risky. What mechanism do you use to defend yourself? Do you have guns?” one student asked.
It was very surprising to see that the public think that journalists carry guns. To them our work is very daring which requires protection like carrying a gun. They think we carry arms to fight back whenever we are attacked.
It reminded me of what Daily Monitor’s Emmanuel Gyezaho wrote recently that “Service to country is the one that drives us.”
We told them that we are simple people, law abiding citizens who do our work with extra care.
“Sometimes we fall into trouble like any other person who deals with human beings,” Ahimbisibwe told them, “but we always get out and carry on our duties.”
The students disagreed with us when we told them that we are agents of behavior change. For them they think that teachers are the ones that change behavior and the media has always let them down in this struggle.
“It is amazing that you have continued to awashing us with pornographic materials, then you come here and say you are agents of behavior change. By the way, are there journalists who believe in God?” one Esther asked.
You can now imagine how these people think about us. They think we are spoilt ‘boys’ who do not have a sense of God in our lives. It was very hard to explain to these teachers that some of us are believers who submit to the will of God. They think we do our work as if we don’t live on this planet called earth.
“Do you really take time to read through the papers you write? Those ashaming pictures which you publish to be seen by young and innocent children. You are solely responsible for the degenerating morals in our society,” a charged Esther said.
We were dumb folded. We did not have answers for Esther on our finger tips but at least I was representing a newspaper (Daily Monitor) that does not publish pornographic material and that is what I told them.
The students wanted us to go on. They were disappointed when Sister Kentwiga announced that we had to end such that other college programs could continue. They still had very many questions for us and we promised them that we shall come back when called.
That is how the two behavior change agents in our society (teachers and journalists) spent a day together.
Their faces could easily be read they were ready for us. They wanted to know why journalist do the things they do- are they from mars?
It was a challenging experience when I met student teachers of at Bushenyi primary teachers’ college in Bushenyi district early this week. They had called me to discuss for them how journalists go about their work, the role and challenges journalists face and the possible opportunities if one joins the profession.
I did some preparations to make sure that I am not caught off guard by these informed people. I called my colleague Chris Ahimbisibwe and we went together. On our way, they called to find out whether were coming.
We found they had already assembled and was welcomed by Sister Sophie Kentwiga, the head of language studies at the college. I immediately went on stage and took the students through the journalistic work, with Ahimbisibwe filling the ‘potholes’ in my address. The students were attentive and did not have a rough time at this level. After our talk, there come the time of questions.
“I want to know what drives you as you do your work. Your nature of work seems risky. What mechanism do you use to defend yourself? Do you have guns?” one student asked.
It was very surprising to see that the public think that journalists carry guns. To them our work is very daring which requires protection like carrying a gun. They think we carry arms to fight back whenever we are attacked.
It reminded me of what Daily Monitor’s Emmanuel Gyezaho wrote recently that “Service to country is the one that drives us.”
We told them that we are simple people, law abiding citizens who do our work with extra care.
“Sometimes we fall into trouble like any other person who deals with human beings,” Ahimbisibwe told them, “but we always get out and carry on our duties.”
The students disagreed with us when we told them that we are agents of behavior change. For them they think that teachers are the ones that change behavior and the media has always let them down in this struggle.
“It is amazing that you have continued to awashing us with pornographic materials, then you come here and say you are agents of behavior change. By the way, are there journalists who believe in God?” one Esther asked.
You can now imagine how these people think about us. They think we are spoilt ‘boys’ who do not have a sense of God in our lives. It was very hard to explain to these teachers that some of us are believers who submit to the will of God. They think we do our work as if we don’t live on this planet called earth.
“Do you really take time to read through the papers you write? Those ashaming pictures which you publish to be seen by young and innocent children. You are solely responsible for the degenerating morals in our society,” a charged Esther said.
We were dumb folded. We did not have answers for Esther on our finger tips but at least I was representing a newspaper (Daily Monitor) that does not publish pornographic material and that is what I told them.
The students wanted us to go on. They were disappointed when Sister Kentwiga announced that we had to end such that other college programs could continue. They still had very many questions for us and we promised them that we shall come back when called.
That is how the two behavior change agents in our society (teachers and journalists) spent a day together.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Byaruhanga's future hopes were shattered in a second
PAUL R. ARUHO
On 3rd August 2007 Yusuf Byaruhanga 20, woke up like any other young student to face the usual challenges in his life. As his daily routine, Byaruhanga ran to Kyambura mosque for prayers. Little did he know that that was his last time to talk to God inside that four walled structure.
He came back home and prepared himself to go to school Kirugu secondary school in Bushenyi district. He has been doing his end of term two exams the whole of that week, remaining with fine art. He entered his classroom in a jolly mood. At around 8:30am, a few minutes in the exam, Byaruhanga was very sure he heard a gunshot. Like any other curios student, he ran towards the door to see what was happening.
“We thought it was game rangers running after poachers. In a twinkle of an eye, I saw Byaruhanga falling down blood oozing out of his stomach. It was a nasty site for me to see which will never fade out of my head,” Idd Habasa a classmate said who was a few steps behind him on that fateful day.
That very morning students of Kirugu secondary school in Bushenyi district came face to face with Bushenyi local administration armed policemen who showered them with live bullets leaving one student dead and another one seriously injured.
Yusuf Byaruhanga 20, a senior one student, died shortly after he was admitted at Comboni hospital due to bullets that him on the stomach letting out the intestines.
At 20 years one could wonder why Byaruhanga was in S.1. He is among the many disadvantaged children who were born in Ugandan poor families. His father a pure peasant had struggled to make him remain in school.
He had repeated primary seven at Kyambura primary school for two times not because he was dull but due to lack of school fees.
After doing his PLE in 2004 he lost hope and dropped out of school for a period of another two years. When he heard that the government was to introduce free secondary education, he saw it as his long waited chance he could not let go. He was however frustrated when he we refused to register at Kirugu ss as a UPE student because he could not qualify.
Byaruhanga’s passion for school made his father Idd Karyaija to struggle and make sure his son attend school. Through doing pet jobs in the village, Byaruhanga was able to raise school fees and boy scholarstic materials.
“This boy was very intelligent. I was sure he would make it even to the University on government sponsorship,” Karyaija lamented.
At school the deputy Head teacher, Mr Wilson Byamukama approved this. He said that since he looked older than any other atudent in senior one, he could be noticed. ”He was very intelligent and serious in whatever he was doing. It was unfortunate that we lost him so carelessly like that.”
Sitting in his small compound, looking at his son’s grave, a helpless Karyaija is waiting for any person who can help him to get compensation from government after his son was shot dead by police while at school.
“A few days after the burial, some police men came here and apologized for what happened. They said that they will follow the matter and we may receive compasation. We are waiting. It will be good if they honour their promise,” Mzee Karyaija said.
Karyaija said that he knows the cost of not taking children to school. He said that they become a burden to both parents and the government.
“I have been trying to fulfill the government policy of educating my children. But it really frustrates to send a child to school and the government then comes to shoots him,” a sobbing Karyaija wondered.
According to the deputy head teacher Mr Wilson Byamukama of Kirugu ss, there was not strike at the school as police first said. He said that in the last 11 years he had been there, the school has never registered a strike.
It all started when the local administration policemen came to school to arrest the head master Mr. Laban Rushure. It is said that he had got some domestic problems with his wife Alice Rushure who is the Bushenyi district local government planner. Even the police men came in her car. It would not have caused a stir among students but when they saw their head teacher being hand cuffed, they tried to inquire for an explanation and block his arrest.
“The headmaster was whisked away from his home in handcuffs. This led students as for an explanation to know why their head teacher was being taken,” a teacher only known as Wilber narrated.
The district police commander Onyura Peter said Rushure told police that there was a strike at school and had called his wife send him transport and security to protect him from the students whom he (Rushure) said they had gone on strike.
The leaders in the district have condemned all that transpired in the school. The Bishop of West Ankole diocese Rt Rev Yonah Katoneene and the area MP Gaude Tindamanyire have appealed to government to intervene and carry out thorough investigations into the matter and find out the root cause of the shooting.
The three police men, Abraham Kyabaheire and Cpl Turimu, Patrick Byaruhanga attached to Kyamuhanga police post were arrested. The head teacher has been released on police bond while the three policemen have been sent to Nyamushakyera government prison on remand.
aruhopaul@gmail.com
On 3rd August 2007 Yusuf Byaruhanga 20, woke up like any other young student to face the usual challenges in his life. As his daily routine, Byaruhanga ran to Kyambura mosque for prayers. Little did he know that that was his last time to talk to God inside that four walled structure.
He came back home and prepared himself to go to school Kirugu secondary school in Bushenyi district. He has been doing his end of term two exams the whole of that week, remaining with fine art. He entered his classroom in a jolly mood. At around 8:30am, a few minutes in the exam, Byaruhanga was very sure he heard a gunshot. Like any other curios student, he ran towards the door to see what was happening.
“We thought it was game rangers running after poachers. In a twinkle of an eye, I saw Byaruhanga falling down blood oozing out of his stomach. It was a nasty site for me to see which will never fade out of my head,” Idd Habasa a classmate said who was a few steps behind him on that fateful day.
That very morning students of Kirugu secondary school in Bushenyi district came face to face with Bushenyi local administration armed policemen who showered them with live bullets leaving one student dead and another one seriously injured.
Yusuf Byaruhanga 20, a senior one student, died shortly after he was admitted at Comboni hospital due to bullets that him on the stomach letting out the intestines.
At 20 years one could wonder why Byaruhanga was in S.1. He is among the many disadvantaged children who were born in Ugandan poor families. His father a pure peasant had struggled to make him remain in school.
He had repeated primary seven at Kyambura primary school for two times not because he was dull but due to lack of school fees.
After doing his PLE in 2004 he lost hope and dropped out of school for a period of another two years. When he heard that the government was to introduce free secondary education, he saw it as his long waited chance he could not let go. He was however frustrated when he we refused to register at Kirugu ss as a UPE student because he could not qualify.
Byaruhanga’s passion for school made his father Idd Karyaija to struggle and make sure his son attend school. Through doing pet jobs in the village, Byaruhanga was able to raise school fees and boy scholarstic materials.
“This boy was very intelligent. I was sure he would make it even to the University on government sponsorship,” Karyaija lamented.
At school the deputy Head teacher, Mr Wilson Byamukama approved this. He said that since he looked older than any other atudent in senior one, he could be noticed. ”He was very intelligent and serious in whatever he was doing. It was unfortunate that we lost him so carelessly like that.”
Sitting in his small compound, looking at his son’s grave, a helpless Karyaija is waiting for any person who can help him to get compensation from government after his son was shot dead by police while at school.
“A few days after the burial, some police men came here and apologized for what happened. They said that they will follow the matter and we may receive compasation. We are waiting. It will be good if they honour their promise,” Mzee Karyaija said.
Karyaija said that he knows the cost of not taking children to school. He said that they become a burden to both parents and the government.
“I have been trying to fulfill the government policy of educating my children. But it really frustrates to send a child to school and the government then comes to shoots him,” a sobbing Karyaija wondered.
According to the deputy head teacher Mr Wilson Byamukama of Kirugu ss, there was not strike at the school as police first said. He said that in the last 11 years he had been there, the school has never registered a strike.
It all started when the local administration policemen came to school to arrest the head master Mr. Laban Rushure. It is said that he had got some domestic problems with his wife Alice Rushure who is the Bushenyi district local government planner. Even the police men came in her car. It would not have caused a stir among students but when they saw their head teacher being hand cuffed, they tried to inquire for an explanation and block his arrest.
“The headmaster was whisked away from his home in handcuffs. This led students as for an explanation to know why their head teacher was being taken,” a teacher only known as Wilber narrated.
The district police commander Onyura Peter said Rushure told police that there was a strike at school and had called his wife send him transport and security to protect him from the students whom he (Rushure) said they had gone on strike.
The leaders in the district have condemned all that transpired in the school. The Bishop of West Ankole diocese Rt Rev Yonah Katoneene and the area MP Gaude Tindamanyire have appealed to government to intervene and carry out thorough investigations into the matter and find out the root cause of the shooting.
The three police men, Abraham Kyabaheire and Cpl Turimu, Patrick Byaruhanga attached to Kyamuhanga police post were arrested. The head teacher has been released on police bond while the three policemen have been sent to Nyamushakyera government prison on remand.
aruhopaul@gmail.com
Monday, March 03, 2008
Meeting the youngest king
Paul Rwambangye Aruho
I have always seen him in newspaper photos and on Televisions. This graceful shy looking king , the world’s youngest king of the Tooro Kingdom , Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi the IV.
On his 12th coronation ceremony which was supposed to be held on 12 September, it was delayed for ten days and fell on 22 September. I don’t know what caused the delay but it was for my advantage as I wouldn’t have been able to see him for the first time. It coincided with the day when the then Uganda ’s Prime Minister Dr. Apollo Milton Obote abolished the three tribal kingdoms of Buganda , Ankole and Bunyoro and the chieftaincy of Busoga.
The ceremony started with a thanksgiving service in St. John’s Cathedral, Kabarole in Fort Portal Municipality which was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Benezeri T. Kisembo. I was very curious to steal a grips on this young man. I waited patiently up to the end of the service because I had come a bit late.
My prayers were answered. After the service, I stood at the end of the pew and made sure I ‘see’ him. But I didn’t envy him at all. I felt there is away how people around him, whom I late came to know as ‘abakumirizi’, step on his freedom. I really wondered if he has time for his own.
After the service, we proceeded for the main function at his palace, Karuzika. I was most annoyed by the king’s royal regalia, the so called the kingdom’s army. They looked very shabby and miserable compared to the master they serve. There was a handful of young boy of barely 8 years. They looked to me as if they don’t benefit from universal primary education. I really wondered in this 21 century I could meet people as shabby as they were.
The occasion was graced by His Ex. President Museveni. As he is among the guardians of the king, he was also supposed to go through some king of traditional rituals. He was taken inside the behind door and emerged dressed in a backcloth.
Looking at President Museveni’s face, he showed some jealous to this young ‘boy’, even if I was the one I would have. The scene I observed closely was when the chiefs were called to greet the king. Old men prostrating before this young boy made president Museveni at unusual look at the king. I later her some man saying, “the respect given to this young boy is envied by everyone even the president. No wonder president Obote abolished them in 1966,” a gentle man seated besides me whom I later knew to be Prof. Rugumayo said.
The youngest king has started to grow. Not like those years when he could be busy playing with balloons as the empango proceeds, he has now realized that he is an important person in the kingdom. He has started to develop the kingsh attitude. He just kept quite without a smile as people danced around him wanting to grab his attention.
To my amazement, I saw men doing most of the things, I myself would otherwise not have done. This made me conclude; thank God my king was never restored.
I have always seen him in newspaper photos and on Televisions. This graceful shy looking king , the world’s youngest king of the Tooro Kingdom , Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi the IV.
On his 12th coronation ceremony which was supposed to be held on 12 September, it was delayed for ten days and fell on 22 September. I don’t know what caused the delay but it was for my advantage as I wouldn’t have been able to see him for the first time. It coincided with the day when the then Uganda ’s Prime Minister Dr. Apollo Milton Obote abolished the three tribal kingdoms of Buganda , Ankole and Bunyoro and the chieftaincy of Busoga.
The ceremony started with a thanksgiving service in St. John’s Cathedral, Kabarole in Fort Portal Municipality which was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Benezeri T. Kisembo. I was very curious to steal a grips on this young man. I waited patiently up to the end of the service because I had come a bit late.
My prayers were answered. After the service, I stood at the end of the pew and made sure I ‘see’ him. But I didn’t envy him at all. I felt there is away how people around him, whom I late came to know as ‘abakumirizi’, step on his freedom. I really wondered if he has time for his own.
After the service, we proceeded for the main function at his palace, Karuzika. I was most annoyed by the king’s royal regalia, the so called the kingdom’s army. They looked very shabby and miserable compared to the master they serve. There was a handful of young boy of barely 8 years. They looked to me as if they don’t benefit from universal primary education. I really wondered in this 21 century I could meet people as shabby as they were.
The occasion was graced by His Ex. President Museveni. As he is among the guardians of the king, he was also supposed to go through some king of traditional rituals. He was taken inside the behind door and emerged dressed in a backcloth.
Looking at President Museveni’s face, he showed some jealous to this young ‘boy’, even if I was the one I would have. The scene I observed closely was when the chiefs were called to greet the king. Old men prostrating before this young boy made president Museveni at unusual look at the king. I later her some man saying, “the respect given to this young boy is envied by everyone even the president. No wonder president Obote abolished them in 1966,” a gentle man seated besides me whom I later knew to be Prof. Rugumayo said.
The youngest king has started to grow. Not like those years when he could be busy playing with balloons as the empango proceeds, he has now realized that he is an important person in the kingdom. He has started to develop the kingsh attitude. He just kept quite without a smile as people danced around him wanting to grab his attention.
To my amazement, I saw men doing most of the things, I myself would otherwise not have done. This made me conclude; thank God my king was never restored.
Parents; Provide lunch for your children
PAUL R. ARUHO
I read with dismay the Daily Monitor’s article that government should provide lunch to UPE pupils,(see Gov’t urged to allocate shs40 billion for UPE meals). I could not believe what I was reading when the chairperson of public Account’s Committee Hon. Nandala Mafabi was quoted saying that some parents cannot afford providing meals for their children.
The way some things are being handled in this country is driving people to the other side of poverty line. Why should one assume that a parent is not capable of providing lunch to his/her school going child?
In the past men and youths could work to provide for their homes, pay school fees for their children and taxes. Some people are awashing the populace to have a ‘handout receiving’ mentality where the government is to provide everything.
There is a Chinese saying that instead of giving someone a fish, teach him how to do the fish. The introduction of UPE, USE and the abolition of graduated tax is making the majority rural people not to work. Some politicians and religious leaders have many times complained that family heads are now found seated in trading centres playing cards and gambling.
"Why should I waste time looking for money? I don’t have any pressing need that needs cash," Asah Nuwagaba, 43 a father of six told me when I found him in a bar drinking alcohol in the wee hours of the morning.
Family heads have been deprived of their responsibility of taking care of their homes. The father thinks that since the wife can manage to go to the family garden and get enough food for the children, that’s enough. Fathers no longer pay taxes, school fees for their children and now people are saying they cannot afford providing lunch for their children in UPE schools.
The permanent secretary in the ministry of education and sports was reported saying that pupils should always carry packed food to school. It reminded me the olden days when we carried that food happily and sharing it with our friends during lunch break. This helped us to keep in school and attend afternoon lessons not on empty stomachs. I remember there was no struggle on this; it was a must to carry food.
The government has always been or sounded tough on some particular issues. I cannot see the reason why it cannot use the same measures to coerce parents to provide lunch for their children. Is it because it has already started to be sensitive to of 2011?
Recently I read in our papers the president saying that he will man handle any head teacher who charges extra money for lunch from students on UPE and USE programs. Head teachers are saying it is very difficult to teach a hungry student. They are being parental and sympathetic to these children who don’t eat at lunch time.
As the public’s committee chairman Hon. Nandala Mafabi was saying that the ministry of education and sports should look for 40 billion per term to feed UPE pupils, there are other issues that need this money. Parents should be sensitized that it is their obligation to provide lunch for their school going children. The government is doing its work, let parents play their part. Many of us never had these free hand outs and we came out fairly successful.
Writer is a teacher and journalist
paul202us@yahoo.com
I read with dismay the Daily Monitor’s article that government should provide lunch to UPE pupils,(see Gov’t urged to allocate shs40 billion for UPE meals). I could not believe what I was reading when the chairperson of public Account’s Committee Hon. Nandala Mafabi was quoted saying that some parents cannot afford providing meals for their children.
The way some things are being handled in this country is driving people to the other side of poverty line. Why should one assume that a parent is not capable of providing lunch to his/her school going child?
In the past men and youths could work to provide for their homes, pay school fees for their children and taxes. Some people are awashing the populace to have a ‘handout receiving’ mentality where the government is to provide everything.
There is a Chinese saying that instead of giving someone a fish, teach him how to do the fish. The introduction of UPE, USE and the abolition of graduated tax is making the majority rural people not to work. Some politicians and religious leaders have many times complained that family heads are now found seated in trading centres playing cards and gambling.
"Why should I waste time looking for money? I don’t have any pressing need that needs cash," Asah Nuwagaba, 43 a father of six told me when I found him in a bar drinking alcohol in the wee hours of the morning.
Family heads have been deprived of their responsibility of taking care of their homes. The father thinks that since the wife can manage to go to the family garden and get enough food for the children, that’s enough. Fathers no longer pay taxes, school fees for their children and now people are saying they cannot afford providing lunch for their children in UPE schools.
The permanent secretary in the ministry of education and sports was reported saying that pupils should always carry packed food to school. It reminded me the olden days when we carried that food happily and sharing it with our friends during lunch break. This helped us to keep in school and attend afternoon lessons not on empty stomachs. I remember there was no struggle on this; it was a must to carry food.
The government has always been or sounded tough on some particular issues. I cannot see the reason why it cannot use the same measures to coerce parents to provide lunch for their children. Is it because it has already started to be sensitive to of 2011?
Recently I read in our papers the president saying that he will man handle any head teacher who charges extra money for lunch from students on UPE and USE programs. Head teachers are saying it is very difficult to teach a hungry student. They are being parental and sympathetic to these children who don’t eat at lunch time.
As the public’s committee chairman Hon. Nandala Mafabi was saying that the ministry of education and sports should look for 40 billion per term to feed UPE pupils, there are other issues that need this money. Parents should be sensitized that it is their obligation to provide lunch for their school going children. The government is doing its work, let parents play their part. Many of us never had these free hand outs and we came out fairly successful.
Writer is a teacher and journalist
paul202us@yahoo.com
Monday, July 03, 2006
Computer Labs a necessity in schools
Computer labs a necessity in schools
Paul R. Aruho
There has been a wave of computer studies in our schools. In most schools, parents have been forced to stretch deeper into their pockets to fund the setting up of computer labs. Though setting these labs take time and money they are very important to our education system.
In most schools I have travelled to, there are many limitations that have frustrated school administrations to make this dream come true. Administrators squeeze as much as possible to use the few computers available to introduce basic computer skills to their students.
There should be an effort to prepare schools to accept the technology. This means convincing parents and teachers about the need to put up a computer lab in a school.
Certain basic infrastructure such as electricity, phone lines, school buildings, safe and secure environment and insurance should be emphasised. Certain minimum infrastructure requirements are important to enable the use of ICT.
In Mbale secondary school, which has a population of over 3,000 students, there is less than 25 computers. Curious students just stand in front the screen, and many hardly touch the mouse. The computer lab is also small which does not make it comfortable for students to have their lesson.
But their teacher Mr Charles Mubiru, feels this is a good beginning. He says the small number of students who in my classroom touch a computer is an indication that there is a bigger challenge and an eye opener to school administrators and parents.
Teachers need to understand the application of ICT to support their teaching and administration. Therefore, a policy should be set up to identify ways of improving teacher capacity in the use of ICT as well as their specific integration into teaching systems and pedagogical models. The policy should also outline the type of additional staff required to support computers and related technologies
Information and Computer technology needs to be available to a large number of students and teachers. Existing computer technology is still not appropriate in terms of complexity and cost for school environment. Cheaper-easier-to use technology must be developed and implemented in schools to allow a greater use among students and teachers.
There also an urgent need to train teachers in the use of ICTs in schools. Majority of teachers in our schools don’t know how to use computers. The profession development of teachers sits at the heart of any successful technology and education program. Teachers not only need formal training but also sustained and on going support form colleges to help them learn how best to integrate technology in their teaching.
Teachers need to be able to transform their classes from places where a static one-way flow of information from a teacher to students occur, into a dynamic, student centred learning environment. Through the use of Internet, learners can be able to interact with peers in teams, both in their classrooms as well as vital classes around the world.
Most teachers however are intimidated by technology and are comfortable with their own old teaching styles. There is need to generate confidence in teachers about ICTs. Teachers should be able to have personal access if not, the full potential of ICT will remain untapped. This confidence will enable teachers to know when and how to use ICTs in classrooms and when not to use it.
Teachers should be helped to use technology as a tool and transform their classrooms into interactive, inquisitive learning environments.
Paul R. Aruho
There has been a wave of computer studies in our schools. In most schools, parents have been forced to stretch deeper into their pockets to fund the setting up of computer labs. Though setting these labs take time and money they are very important to our education system.
In most schools I have travelled to, there are many limitations that have frustrated school administrations to make this dream come true. Administrators squeeze as much as possible to use the few computers available to introduce basic computer skills to their students.
There should be an effort to prepare schools to accept the technology. This means convincing parents and teachers about the need to put up a computer lab in a school.
Certain basic infrastructure such as electricity, phone lines, school buildings, safe and secure environment and insurance should be emphasised. Certain minimum infrastructure requirements are important to enable the use of ICT.
In Mbale secondary school, which has a population of over 3,000 students, there is less than 25 computers. Curious students just stand in front the screen, and many hardly touch the mouse. The computer lab is also small which does not make it comfortable for students to have their lesson.
But their teacher Mr Charles Mubiru, feels this is a good beginning. He says the small number of students who in my classroom touch a computer is an indication that there is a bigger challenge and an eye opener to school administrators and parents.
Teachers need to understand the application of ICT to support their teaching and administration. Therefore, a policy should be set up to identify ways of improving teacher capacity in the use of ICT as well as their specific integration into teaching systems and pedagogical models. The policy should also outline the type of additional staff required to support computers and related technologies
Information and Computer technology needs to be available to a large number of students and teachers. Existing computer technology is still not appropriate in terms of complexity and cost for school environment. Cheaper-easier-to use technology must be developed and implemented in schools to allow a greater use among students and teachers.
There also an urgent need to train teachers in the use of ICTs in schools. Majority of teachers in our schools don’t know how to use computers. The profession development of teachers sits at the heart of any successful technology and education program. Teachers not only need formal training but also sustained and on going support form colleges to help them learn how best to integrate technology in their teaching.
Teachers need to be able to transform their classes from places where a static one-way flow of information from a teacher to students occur, into a dynamic, student centred learning environment. Through the use of Internet, learners can be able to interact with peers in teams, both in their classrooms as well as vital classes around the world.
Most teachers however are intimidated by technology and are comfortable with their own old teaching styles. There is need to generate confidence in teachers about ICTs. Teachers should be able to have personal access if not, the full potential of ICT will remain untapped. This confidence will enable teachers to know when and how to use ICTs in classrooms and when not to use it.
Teachers should be helped to use technology as a tool and transform their classrooms into interactive, inquisitive learning environments.
Do our schools prepare children for the real life
PAUL R. ARUHO
Dan Muganzi (not real name) finished a course from the University in social works and social administration. He walked the streets of Kampala for three years combing for a job in vain. He ran back home in Bushenyi to his disappointed parents and asked his father to buy him a car to do special hire. His father didn’t take him serious, but seeing the graveness on his face he did that for him. He is among the lucky ones who have parents that can do that for him. Dan is now a special hire driver in Bushenyi town and he looks happy.
There are many youths out there doing the jobs they never trained in. One wonders whether our schools prepare children for the real world these days.
You will agree with me that the world has changed but the education system has remained static. Children spend years in an antiquated educational system-studying subjects they will never use, preparing for that, that no longer exist.
Many parents have been disappointed after paying expensively for their children’s education and when they finish, they cannot find the jobs.
David Mafabi a secondary schoolteacher and journalist say that lack of career guidance in schools is leading students to courses that will not help them in future.
“You find a person taking mass communication without knowing the demands of the course,” Mafabi says.
These days the dangerous advise you can give a child is ‘go to school, get good grades and look for a safe secure job’. This has become old advice and it is bard. We have seen many people who were mediocres in school but now they are managing huge businesses and very well.
Dr. Ahemd K. Ssengendo the Rector of Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) says that the education being given to students is not purposely for jobs, but an eye opener for them to look far into the future.
He advises students that instead of roaming in Kampala they should go back home and develop their villages.
It is foolish to assume that the education the school system provides will prepare your child for the world they will face after graduation. Each child needs more education, different education and they need to know the rules. A child today needs a sophiscated education. We all know that education is the foundation of success. There is need to provide skills that are virtually important in regard to financial and communication oriented.
We study to get money, acquire wealth and live a good life. But do the subjects studied at school prepare our children for this? Getting good education and good grades no longer assures success. Everybody should notice that and let the children know. Good grades were of long time ago when governments provided jobs.
Dr. S. K Simba a lecturer at Makerere University in the department of political science and public administration once wrote that the researched data to show that people with high academic qualifications tend to be better leaders compared to those with low qualifications does not exist. (Daily Monitor 24th Jan 2006)
That is why even president Museveni rarely considers academic qualifications in his appointments.
The ministry of education is coming up to boast technical schools. A lot of support is needed especially from every Ugandan either rich or poor. We need to support practical and science subjects in schools to make sure our children are given the required skills. However much expensive these subjects could be, let everybody do his or her best in regard to supporting practical subjects in our school.
Giving our children the same advice our parents gave us years back is poisonous. The world around us has changed but the advice has not. It is disastrous for those of us born into a rapidly changing world.
It is for real; our schools no longer prepare the children for the real world a head of them. We need to change this.
Contact: paul202us@yahoo.com
0782 386 463
PAUL R. ARUHO
Dan Muganzi (not real name) finished a course from the University in social works and social administration. He walked the streets of Kampala for three years combing for a job in vain. He ran back home in Bushenyi to his disappointed parents and asked his father to buy him a car to do special hire. His father didn’t take him serious, but seeing the graveness on his face he did that for him. He is among the lucky ones who have parents that can do that for him. Dan is now a special hire driver in Bushenyi town and he looks happy.
There are many youths out there doing the jobs they never trained in. One wonders whether our schools prepare children for the real world these days.
You will agree with me that the world has changed but the education system has remained static. Children spend years in an antiquated educational system-studying subjects they will never use, preparing for that, that no longer exist.
Many parents have been disappointed after paying expensively for their children’s education and when they finish, they cannot find the jobs.
David Mafabi a secondary schoolteacher and journalist say that lack of career guidance in schools is leading students to courses that will not help them in future.
“You find a person taking mass communication without knowing the demands of the course,” Mafabi says.
These days the dangerous advise you can give a child is ‘go to school, get good grades and look for a safe secure job’. This has become old advice and it is bard. We have seen many people who were mediocres in school but now they are managing huge businesses and very well.
Dr. Ahemd K. Ssengendo the Rector of Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) says that the education being given to students is not purposely for jobs, but an eye opener for them to look far into the future.
He advises students that instead of roaming in Kampala they should go back home and develop their villages.
It is foolish to assume that the education the school system provides will prepare your child for the world they will face after graduation. Each child needs more education, different education and they need to know the rules. A child today needs a sophiscated education. We all know that education is the foundation of success. There is need to provide skills that are virtually important in regard to financial and communication oriented.
We study to get money, acquire wealth and live a good life. But do the subjects studied at school prepare our children for this? Getting good education and good grades no longer assures success. Everybody should notice that and let the children know. Good grades were of long time ago when governments provided jobs.
Dr. S. K Simba a lecturer at Makerere University in the department of political science and public administration once wrote that the researched data to show that people with high academic qualifications tend to be better leaders compared to those with low qualifications does not exist. (Daily Monitor 24th Jan 2006)
That is why even president Museveni rarely considers academic qualifications in his appointments.
The ministry of education is coming up to boast technical schools. A lot of support is needed especially from every Ugandan either rich or poor. We need to support practical and science subjects in schools to make sure our children are given the required skills. However much expensive these subjects could be, let everybody do his or her best in regard to supporting practical subjects in our school.
Giving our children the same advice our parents gave us years back is poisonous. The world around us has changed but the advice has not. It is disastrous for those of us born into a rapidly changing world.
It is for real; our schools no longer prepare the children for the real world a head of them. We need to change this.
Contact: paul202us@yahoo.com
0782 386 463
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Our environment needs care
PAUL ARUHO
Many Ugandans don’t know how important caring about the environment is. Nobody seems to mind about the ecosystems of our country, putting our lives at a risk. A visit to any town in Uganda today reveals an aspect of waste management problem. Heaps of uncontrolled garbage, roadside litter with refuse, streams blocked with junk, disposal sites constitute a health hazard to residential areas.
I was walking with a Rwandese friend in Kampala of recent who asked me why Ugandans don’t mind about the environment. In Rwanda it is a policy that you cannot enter through its boarders with a plastic bag. He said our great grand children would blame us for not protecting the environment for them.
According to United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) waste management is the collection, transportation, processing or disposal of waste materials, usually produced by human activity, in an effort to reduce their effect on human health.
Plastic bags have become a menace all over and no body is telling us how dangerous they are. Our leaders have concentrated on other issues leaving the environment at the mercies of God. The plastic bags, which are so thin, are simply thrown away after one trip from the shops. They have become a familiar eyesore in both urban and countryside areas. These bags block gutters and drains, choke animals and marine wildlife and pollute the soil as they gradually breakdown.
All over the country, there has been increased generation of volumes of garbage and the effective of their management is declining. Waste is either indiscriminately thrown away at various dumping sites on the periphery of urban centres or at a number of so called temporary sites-typically empty lots scattered throughout the country.
These open landfills often have serious environmental impacts that extend beyond the boundaries putting nearby water sources and serving as breed grounds for disease-bearing rodents and insects.
Waste management in our towns is an essential public service, which benefits all residents. It represents one of the major challenges in all towns in the country, which requires a lot of attention from authorities.
It beats my understanding somebody to be called an international investor who has set up a factory of polythene bags.
The situation in respect of waste management in Uganda is particular severe. The public sector is unable to deliver services effectively and illegal dumping of domestic and industrial waste is a common practice. There is need to strengthen the capacity for solid waste management in Uganda through the management programmes such as waste minimisation, recycling and reuse and ensuring environmental sound proposals.
Government’s intervention is needed so fast in dealing with the manufacture of plastic bags. There is need to formulate policies outlining ways to conserve the environment by reducing the quantities of discarded plastic carrier bags, through discouraging the use of thinner, easily breakable plastic bags and promoting stronger, thicker bags.
Many times I get disturbed seeing people leaving supermarkets with black plastic bags. These supermarkets do not put an extra cost for the bag. There is need to separate the cost of the plastic bag from the cost of goods sold. This may be could force our people to carry shopping bags.
Lessons to learn from
Some countries have become strict in protecting the environment. Strong and strict measures are put in place to make sure that the environment is kept clean for the generations to come.
In 2002, Ireland imposed a 15 Euro cent or surcharge on plastic bags provided by stores and shops. It is estimated that this has reduced the use of plastic bags by 90%. The revenue raised goes to an Environmental Fund, which plans to spend 35m Euros on recycling centres. The introduction of so-called Plas Tax Scheme has been backed up by public awareness campaigns.
Rwanda banned plastic less than 100 microns thick and backed this up with public awareness campaign. Reports from there say that the black polythene bag has disappeared in Kigali.
In 2003 South Africa banned plastic bags thinner than 30 microns and introduced a plastic levy some of which goes to plastic bag recycling company. It has witnessed a decrease in bag litter, a reduction in the manufacture of plastic bags with some layoffs and growth in alternatives such as canvass bags.
The government need to start with workshops where major stakeholders and interested parties could came together to discuss what has come to be known as the "Plastics Menace." These workshops could initiate a discussion amongst the government, private sector, and general public on how the problem of plastic bag pollution can be remedied.
PAUL ARUHO
Many Ugandans don’t know how important caring about the environment is. Nobody seems to mind about the ecosystems of our country, putting our lives at a risk. A visit to any town in Uganda today reveals an aspect of waste management problem. Heaps of uncontrolled garbage, roadside litter with refuse, streams blocked with junk, disposal sites constitute a health hazard to residential areas.
I was walking with a Rwandese friend in Kampala of recent who asked me why Ugandans don’t mind about the environment. In Rwanda it is a policy that you cannot enter through its boarders with a plastic bag. He said our great grand children would blame us for not protecting the environment for them.
According to United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) waste management is the collection, transportation, processing or disposal of waste materials, usually produced by human activity, in an effort to reduce their effect on human health.
Plastic bags have become a menace all over and no body is telling us how dangerous they are. Our leaders have concentrated on other issues leaving the environment at the mercies of God. The plastic bags, which are so thin, are simply thrown away after one trip from the shops. They have become a familiar eyesore in both urban and countryside areas. These bags block gutters and drains, choke animals and marine wildlife and pollute the soil as they gradually breakdown.
All over the country, there has been increased generation of volumes of garbage and the effective of their management is declining. Waste is either indiscriminately thrown away at various dumping sites on the periphery of urban centres or at a number of so called temporary sites-typically empty lots scattered throughout the country.
These open landfills often have serious environmental impacts that extend beyond the boundaries putting nearby water sources and serving as breed grounds for disease-bearing rodents and insects.
Waste management in our towns is an essential public service, which benefits all residents. It represents one of the major challenges in all towns in the country, which requires a lot of attention from authorities.
It beats my understanding somebody to be called an international investor who has set up a factory of polythene bags.
The situation in respect of waste management in Uganda is particular severe. The public sector is unable to deliver services effectively and illegal dumping of domestic and industrial waste is a common practice. There is need to strengthen the capacity for solid waste management in Uganda through the management programmes such as waste minimisation, recycling and reuse and ensuring environmental sound proposals.
Government’s intervention is needed so fast in dealing with the manufacture of plastic bags. There is need to formulate policies outlining ways to conserve the environment by reducing the quantities of discarded plastic carrier bags, through discouraging the use of thinner, easily breakable plastic bags and promoting stronger, thicker bags.
Many times I get disturbed seeing people leaving supermarkets with black plastic bags. These supermarkets do not put an extra cost for the bag. There is need to separate the cost of the plastic bag from the cost of goods sold. This may be could force our people to carry shopping bags.
Lessons to learn from
Some countries have become strict in protecting the environment. Strong and strict measures are put in place to make sure that the environment is kept clean for the generations to come.
In 2002, Ireland imposed a 15 Euro cent or surcharge on plastic bags provided by stores and shops. It is estimated that this has reduced the use of plastic bags by 90%. The revenue raised goes to an Environmental Fund, which plans to spend 35m Euros on recycling centres. The introduction of so-called Plas Tax Scheme has been backed up by public awareness campaigns.
Rwanda banned plastic less than 100 microns thick and backed this up with public awareness campaign. Reports from there say that the black polythene bag has disappeared in Kigali.
In 2003 South Africa banned plastic bags thinner than 30 microns and introduced a plastic levy some of which goes to plastic bag recycling company. It has witnessed a decrease in bag litter, a reduction in the manufacture of plastic bags with some layoffs and growth in alternatives such as canvass bags.
The government need to start with workshops where major stakeholders and interested parties could came together to discuss what has come to be known as the "Plastics Menace." These workshops could initiate a discussion amongst the government, private sector, and general public on how the problem of plastic bag pollution can be remedied.
A silent teacher had nothing to celebrate
PAUL ARUHO
Welikhe Tom is a secondary school teacher in Mbale. He finished his teaching course seven years ago and ever since he has been teaching in a government school but not on pay roll. He just gets his meagre allowance of 100,000/- from the school, which is also irregular.
As the world marked Labour Day on May 1, like any other Ugandan who lives on hand to mouth, he has nothing to show as a fruit of his labour.
“Many times I ask myself whether I am a worker or not. I completely have nothing to show for the last seven years I have been teaching,” he said.
Last year in November the ministry of Education and Sports interviewed teachers in different disciplines. Tom was among the hundreds of teachers who thronged the Mbale education offices to be interviewed. He is bitter with this.
“I want these people to prove to us that they were not wooing us for votes. Okay we gave them let them do their part. They called us for interviews, up to now we have never heard of them,” he said.
Labour Day is a creation of labour movements and dedicated to the social, economic achievements of workers. It is also referred to as May Day, the first day in the Month of May in remembrance of the Haymarket tragedy that occurred in Illinois, USA on May 1, 1886.
Workers were in a protest meeting, the police attempted to disperse them, then unknown person threw a bomb killing several of them.
Welikhe Tom does not see the reason to celebrate to be recognised as a worker.
“This is the day where one should look behind and say; yes this is the result of my labour. But for me when I turn back I see completely nothing, just darkness,” Welikhe said as his face turned more serious.
Tom said that it has remained a routine, the day being characterised by parades and speeches from government officials. He said he is tired of the same speeches that do not change people’s lives but instead worsens them.
Tom has a family of two children. He says that he is a bit luck to have married a working wife.
“I am among the lucky few because I my wife works. But even if, there are many challenges one gets as the head of the family. He said that his children know that their mother is the one who buys everything at home. “You can imagine even my children know that daddy is ever broke.”
Tom says that he has a workload like any other teacher in the school paid by government. He handles overcrowded classrooms going up to 80 pupils. He dreams of the day the government will employ him.
There is a lot of exploitation of teachers employed on temporary basis by their employers. They have no special consideration as teachers who depend on that particular school. When a decision is taken it cuts across the whole staff. These are teachers that have remained faithful, not joining private institutions waiting to be employed by government.
Teachers on temporal arrangement in government schools depend on the mercies of head teachers. He/she has a right to sack at any time because they know there are many out there, the unemployed waiting.
Tom wants the ministry of education and sports to come down and see what these teachers are doing in its schools. He even wants trade unions to intervene.
He says that Labour Day must remain a day to pay tribute to the contributions, workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of Ugandans and more especially the silent ones.
PAUL ARUHO
Welikhe Tom is a secondary school teacher in Mbale. He finished his teaching course seven years ago and ever since he has been teaching in a government school but not on pay roll. He just gets his meagre allowance of 100,000/- from the school, which is also irregular.
As the world marked Labour Day on May 1, like any other Ugandan who lives on hand to mouth, he has nothing to show as a fruit of his labour.
“Many times I ask myself whether I am a worker or not. I completely have nothing to show for the last seven years I have been teaching,” he said.
Last year in November the ministry of Education and Sports interviewed teachers in different disciplines. Tom was among the hundreds of teachers who thronged the Mbale education offices to be interviewed. He is bitter with this.
“I want these people to prove to us that they were not wooing us for votes. Okay we gave them let them do their part. They called us for interviews, up to now we have never heard of them,” he said.
Labour Day is a creation of labour movements and dedicated to the social, economic achievements of workers. It is also referred to as May Day, the first day in the Month of May in remembrance of the Haymarket tragedy that occurred in Illinois, USA on May 1, 1886.
Workers were in a protest meeting, the police attempted to disperse them, then unknown person threw a bomb killing several of them.
Welikhe Tom does not see the reason to celebrate to be recognised as a worker.
“This is the day where one should look behind and say; yes this is the result of my labour. But for me when I turn back I see completely nothing, just darkness,” Welikhe said as his face turned more serious.
Tom said that it has remained a routine, the day being characterised by parades and speeches from government officials. He said he is tired of the same speeches that do not change people’s lives but instead worsens them.
Tom has a family of two children. He says that he is a bit luck to have married a working wife.
“I am among the lucky few because I my wife works. But even if, there are many challenges one gets as the head of the family. He said that his children know that their mother is the one who buys everything at home. “You can imagine even my children know that daddy is ever broke.”
Tom says that he has a workload like any other teacher in the school paid by government. He handles overcrowded classrooms going up to 80 pupils. He dreams of the day the government will employ him.
There is a lot of exploitation of teachers employed on temporary basis by their employers. They have no special consideration as teachers who depend on that particular school. When a decision is taken it cuts across the whole staff. These are teachers that have remained faithful, not joining private institutions waiting to be employed by government.
Teachers on temporal arrangement in government schools depend on the mercies of head teachers. He/she has a right to sack at any time because they know there are many out there, the unemployed waiting.
Tom wants the ministry of education and sports to come down and see what these teachers are doing in its schools. He even wants trade unions to intervene.
He says that Labour Day must remain a day to pay tribute to the contributions, workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well being of Ugandans and more especially the silent ones.
Men have the key to happy marriages
PAUL ARUHO
You all agree with me that things have changed and affected our lifestyle. Marriages are the ones that have been affected so much because it is an institution where everyone wants to be happy.
In his new book, The Secrets Of Happily Married Men, Scott Haltzman says that men’s good behaviours lead to happy marriage. So men play a big role in making a happy marriage.
The assumption has a lot more pleasant, and the payoffs are far greater, to live with a woman who is satisfied, secure and feeling loved.
Haltzman says that guys should always make marriage their job. He says that if a man is to accept that marriage is his job, he needs a job description. Love, honour and respect your wife, be sexually and emotionally faithful, support her ambitions; be fun-loving and adoring her as you were during courtship.
He continues to say that guys should know their wives. He says that research has revealed that most men don’t know their wives. Guys are advised to collect data about their wives, know them in every situation where she reveals herself. It could be when she is with friends, in a restaurant, at home or any other place. This will enable you to discover who she is and not who she says she is.
Men are urged to always be at home for the family. Haltzman says that men evolve as prowlers and hunters, not home-tenders. But to make marriage work you have got to spend good time around the cave. To build a strong marriage you have to be there in person, ‘Mr Regular’ so to speak. Men need to be honest why they often leave home returning to feed, sleep and lie with their mate. Being at home will enable you to avoid conflict, loss of control and other things that could let you spouse to say, ‘if he was around’.
If men are sufficiently present at home, the payoff is directly and bountiful. There will be love, friendship support, peace of mind, fun and intimacy.
Conflicts should be expected and they are inevitable, but they are controlled. A man can stop the amounting tensions in a conflict. Haltzman says that guys should not do what they are inclined to do (to fight to death) but to use various higher cerebral strategies.
There is need to learn how to listen. Not everybody is a good listener and listening does not come naturally to males who are more inclined to act, but it can be learned. When talking to your spouse, you need to stand still and look directly at her. Use verbal nods to show that you are listening. If it is important, seek clarification.
Also you need to aim at pleasing her. In most cases men are masters in relationship building. Treat your wife as well as you could. Greet her regularly; seek to know what she needs and how you can help. Do favours, anticipate desires and entertain and offer gift as appropriate.
Basing on the above and other small things that matter, men can make their marriage better and free of conflicts
PAUL ARUHO
You all agree with me that things have changed and affected our lifestyle. Marriages are the ones that have been affected so much because it is an institution where everyone wants to be happy.
In his new book, The Secrets Of Happily Married Men, Scott Haltzman says that men’s good behaviours lead to happy marriage. So men play a big role in making a happy marriage.
The assumption has a lot more pleasant, and the payoffs are far greater, to live with a woman who is satisfied, secure and feeling loved.
Haltzman says that guys should always make marriage their job. He says that if a man is to accept that marriage is his job, he needs a job description. Love, honour and respect your wife, be sexually and emotionally faithful, support her ambitions; be fun-loving and adoring her as you were during courtship.
He continues to say that guys should know their wives. He says that research has revealed that most men don’t know their wives. Guys are advised to collect data about their wives, know them in every situation where she reveals herself. It could be when she is with friends, in a restaurant, at home or any other place. This will enable you to discover who she is and not who she says she is.
Men are urged to always be at home for the family. Haltzman says that men evolve as prowlers and hunters, not home-tenders. But to make marriage work you have got to spend good time around the cave. To build a strong marriage you have to be there in person, ‘Mr Regular’ so to speak. Men need to be honest why they often leave home returning to feed, sleep and lie with their mate. Being at home will enable you to avoid conflict, loss of control and other things that could let you spouse to say, ‘if he was around’.
If men are sufficiently present at home, the payoff is directly and bountiful. There will be love, friendship support, peace of mind, fun and intimacy.
Conflicts should be expected and they are inevitable, but they are controlled. A man can stop the amounting tensions in a conflict. Haltzman says that guys should not do what they are inclined to do (to fight to death) but to use various higher cerebral strategies.
There is need to learn how to listen. Not everybody is a good listener and listening does not come naturally to males who are more inclined to act, but it can be learned. When talking to your spouse, you need to stand still and look directly at her. Use verbal nods to show that you are listening. If it is important, seek clarification.
Also you need to aim at pleasing her. In most cases men are masters in relationship building. Treat your wife as well as you could. Greet her regularly; seek to know what she needs and how you can help. Do favours, anticipate desires and entertain and offer gift as appropriate.
Basing on the above and other small things that matter, men can make their marriage better and free of conflicts
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
My story I found in google search
Nabumali High School will never be the same again. When you see the damage students have done, you will not ask why the Bishop cried.
There should be collective responsibility in these schools.Administrators, teachers parents and students should make sure that their schools are protected jealously. Most people are putting the blame solely on students. Other parties are not talked about. The Ministry of Education should be aware that some school administrators are too bossy. They always put a big gap between themselves and the teachers. Most headteachers are feared by teachers instead of being respected. This normally causes a big gap in communication flow. They are ever in their offices and cannot come to discuss issues with the staff.
Staff meetings are also important. There is a school which holds meetings only twice a term - one at the beginning of term and another at the end. This is dange rous to our schools. I do not know why administrators fear meetings, but I think they are an effective way of getting information from teachers.
When a strike is going to happen in a school, it cannot come out of the blue.Sometimes information about it is always leaked and measures can easly be taken. If the head teacher does not have a good relationship with teachers, it is likely that such strikes can never be contained. Many heateachers do not stay at school, even when the school has a house for the headteacher. This brings suspicion among students and teachers.
Also, students councils should always be given a heed. In most schools headteachers do not handle the students councils with care. Counselling in schools should also be encouraged. Some students come from broken families that make them so aggresive at school, so if they are counselled it can save nine in time.
Paul R. Aruho
There should be collective responsibility in these schools.Administrators, teachers parents and students should make sure that their schools are protected jealously. Most people are putting the blame solely on students. Other parties are not talked about. The Ministry of Education should be aware that some school administrators are too bossy. They always put a big gap between themselves and the teachers. Most headteachers are feared by teachers instead of being respected. This normally causes a big gap in communication flow. They are ever in their offices and cannot come to discuss issues with the staff.
Staff meetings are also important. There is a school which holds meetings only twice a term - one at the beginning of term and another at the end. This is dange rous to our schools. I do not know why administrators fear meetings, but I think they are an effective way of getting information from teachers.
When a strike is going to happen in a school, it cannot come out of the blue.Sometimes information about it is always leaked and measures can easly be taken. If the head teacher does not have a good relationship with teachers, it is likely that such strikes can never be contained. Many heateachers do not stay at school, even when the school has a house for the headteacher. This brings suspicion among students and teachers.
Also, students councils should always be given a heed. In most schools headteachers do not handle the students councils with care. Counselling in schools should also be encouraged. Some students come from broken families that make them so aggresive at school, so if they are counselled it can save nine in time.
Paul R. Aruho
About me
My name is Aruho Paul and the family name is Rwambangye from western Uganda. I am an adult married to Nagasha Abby Brenda with two children Matthew and Martha. I am a professional teacher of English language and Literature. I also a journalist with a degree in Mass communication.I am a social person and love interacting with people of all sorts of life.
I have been teaching for the last 12 years. I have been practicing freelance journalism since 2004. This has been exciting, handling young people.
I am now a lecturer in Institutional Relations and a freelance journalist.
I uphold my christian values, and a believer in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the savior of the world.
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