Education
Educationalists and child rights advocates have called on schools to guide children toward exploring career paths beyond traditional professions like law, education, medicine, and engineering.
John Walugembe Kakungulu, a Consultant with the World Bank, emphasized the need for students to consider emerging fields driven by market demands, such as Information Communication Technology (ICT), to align with evolving economic opportunities.
Speaking at a holiday media program hosted by High Sound for Children, a child rights advocacy organization, Kakungulu urged parents and teachers to expose children to a broader range of modern careers.
Cybersecurity expert Christopher Kalema, who was among the facilitators, highlighted the importance of online privacy, warning about the risks posed by ill-intentioned individuals.
Kalema urged parents to monitor their children’s digital activities, teach digital security skills, and be mindful of their children’s online footprints. He also called on the government to strengthen online protections for children.
“The majority of online users are under 20 years of age, and therefore, children must be protected,” Mr. Kalema stated.
“The data shows that many children are accessing social media, and it’s essential to ensure their safety.”
He added that while parents are doing all they can to keep their children safe, combating the addictive nature of social media is a challenge that requires government intervention. “It’s time for the government to step in and create responsible safeguards.”
“Young people, be aware—there are many who want to take advantage of you online, so be cautious. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a break from social media because it’s not real life. Life is what happens outside,” said Ms. Lucky Mbabazi, a radio personality and guest speaker.
Mbabazi also emphasized the importance of mental wellness.
“Take care of yourself because your mental health matters too. How can you create content and care for others if you don’t first take care of yourself? Build your brand slowly, and remember to seek guidance from the older generations at home. Don’t rush,” she added.
“The Holiday Media Program aims to empower young people to speak out, and through our School Media Clubs, we help unpack media for them,” said Ms. Hadasa Mirembe, the founder of High Sound for Children (HSC).
“For the second time, young people gathered to participate in a training aimed at empowering them with essential skills for the digital age,” said Ms. Patricia Osman, the executive director of HSC.
She further noted, “The training covered topics such as online kindness, cyberbullying, the advantages and disadvantages of digital spaces, cautionary tales of misplaced trust, and the transformative power of using digital platforms for good.”
