Beyond "good enough": A call for quality education

By Victoria Sibiya

Let's have an honest conversation about education in Uganda. During a recent Impact Uganda show recording, I visited a school in Kampala. As they mentioned the subsidised school fees, it struck me – it seemed like such a small amount. Now, I understand my perspective is different, but it raised a crucial question: are these kids genuinely receiving the quality education the government promises?

I'm not here to place blame; I just want to understand. On this International Day of Education, let's bypass the red tape and get to the heart of the matter.

In my own journey, I've been fortunate. However, being there, surrounded by those kids, I couldn't help but wonder: Are we giving them the best chance at the future they deserve?

Over 1.3 million kids in Uganda are navigating a system that can feel like a maze, and not the adventurous kind.

So, Ministry of Education and Sports, let's cut to the chase. Your mandate is clear: "To provide quality education and Sports services in the country which are constitutional obligations for the Ugandan State and Government." It's not just a statement; it's a commitment.

Here's the challenge – is our commitment to quality education genuine? Are we settling for "good enough," or are we ensuring these kids receive the best?

On this International Day of Education, I encourage you to rate the quality of education not on a scale of 1-10, but based on the dreams we’re nurturing, the opportunities we're creating, and the future we're building for Uganda.

It's not just about making promises, it’s about making sure every child has a fair chance. Today isn’t just a celebration; it’s a call to action, a sincere plea to reshape destinies.

Let's make a change.

 

The author is Next Media's Sustainability Business Manager and a Show Host for "Impact Uganda"