Socio-political commentator Frank Gashumba has sparked discussion by urging parents to raise children with practical knowledge and all-around skills, rather than focusing solely on academic achievements.
Speaking candidly, Gashumba criticized modern parenting trends where schools have taken over the responsibility of nurturing children, including sending primary school kids to boarding schools, which he strongly disagrees with.
“I no longer entirely believe in good school grades. A child must grow with all-around knowledge. Where are the children we studied with who excelled with good grades in school? You can’t trace them now,” he remarked.
The Importance of All-Around Education
Gashumba emphasized that parents and schools must focus on holistic development, including practical life skills and physical education, which are crucial for children’s mental, physical, and emotional growth.
He also highlighted the value of Physical Education and activities that help children discover talents and abilities beyond academics:
- Practical life skills like washing a car, cooking, or handling daily tasks
- Exposure to village-style skills, such as tending livestock or farming
- Encouragement of sports and physical activities to build resilience and confidence
“Please raise your children with all-around knowledge about daily life. A P.1 child must know how to wash their father’s car. Kids that age in the villages can rear cattle and cook on their own. That’s the Uganda I dream of living in,” Gashumba explained.
Advocating for Day Scholars at Primary Level
Frank Gashumba also stressed that primary school children should be day scholars, allowing parents to nurture them during these critical early years. He believes sending young children to boarding schools can disconnect them from parental guidance and practical life learning.
“You cannot send a kid at the primary level to a boarding school,” he said.
A Call to Reconsider Education Priorities
Gashumba’s comments encourage a re-evaluation of modern education and parenting practices in Uganda, emphasizing that life skills, character, and practical knowledge are just as important as academic performance.
His vision is for a generation of children who are self-reliant, practical, and capable of handling everyday challenges, preparing them for a meaningful and productive life.
💬 Do you agree with Frank Gashumba that children should learn life skills, not just focus on grades?
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