I know many people who abuse Uganda’s education system while lining up to do a masters degree in the same environment. I know many who say “this education thing is worthless” while looking for the most expensive school for their child(ren). They look out for a certificate course or a training to do every year, but they say to study is a curse. I know many who still believe the only way to make it is through education. I also know those who say “no, you can make it through other ways. Let us just develop talent” BUT, these same people have their children in school five days a week while they “develop” the said talents only over the weekend. I also know that the way the adults around you view life will mostly affect how they raise or let you grow.
I know that I wouldn’t have my seven year old holding their groin, bending down low and gyrating with over 4 women around him holding his body seductively. I am a mother of a 7 year old boy. And I know wouldn’t stand this one minute.
My seven year old boy loves music. And he has a great voice. Yes, he plays very very smooth piano. Just last evening he came home and stood by the piano. He started to play “new wine”. The smoothest touch to piano that I have ever had. I cannot wait to show him off to the world. And yet that world wouldn’t be the midnight bar in my neighborhood. And not only because I am born again. But because at the core of my heart, I cannot stand the sight of it just like a mother of a girl wouldn’t stand the sight of a man merely looking at her girl’s butt.
What do you know my friend? What do you know?
I know that in all my getting I should get knowledge and understanding. And yes I know that knowledge will propel one to places where haphazardness will not. I know that education opens up ones mind to so many possibilities and helps them to think deeper and richer. I know that while one can quickly be famed in one suburb, they can be famed in the entire world because of knowledge. And yet life is not about fame. It is about stewardship. It is not about making money. These are things I know. I know the limitations of one musician who could only sing in Luganda, yet the very populace he sang for laughed and made memes of his mess at the international level.
I also know that while many parents sit to listen to this kid, many of them have kept their kids safely tucked in. Are there kids not talented? Do i have a parent here who can testify their child is not super talented? Like really? Did God create anyone without talent? I know many look at that child and say “eh banange kalabe akaana kano”. I know the selfishness of our times. I know there are many many super talented kids world over. Yes I have seen them in the media and read about them. I know those who have gone on to excel for generations were not in a bar at midnight, gyrating seductively while other adults looked on.
Because of those things that I know, I was not amazed yesterday when I heard on a radio station that the parents of this dear child sell chips kubivvulu(mum) and put up posters for bivvulu (dad). We have mentoring going on here if this is true. I had to listen to a song by this child to understand this talent. I will reserve my comment on that. Because in that regard, I don’t know.
Do I agree with the minister or the bigger public? I agree with the things I know. I agree with the parent that resides in my heart. I agree with God.
What do you know my dear friend. What do you know?
This article first appeared on Eunice Adubango’s wall. Ms Adubango is the Managing Partner at Eunie’s Kitchen
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