By Mukonyezi Steven Akiiki
The world has over the years has been divided into the political and religious spheres of life. Many things have been dictated along those lines and the world has seen many transitions because of what those two sides have dictated. Among the affected spheres of life is education which is now majorly and deeply rooted in different faiths’ values. Though some children have at times wished to join specific schools, situations have always dictated and the religious aspect has always been a priority or even dominant.
There are very many notable historical religious schools and higher institutions of learning which are founded on the different known religious groups. They have varying missions and aims. But notably among the core values that stand out in most of those religious schools is discipline based on Jesus Christ-the head of the church and guidelines set by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. The Christians view Christ’s humility as a value a child should be instilled in as a basis for a responsible Christ-like life.
Mr. Kagaba Joshua Amooti, the head teacher of Kabarole Adventist Secondary School is a celebrated public figure in Kabarole district because of his long-time approach to towards handling students. He is also very well known in Uganda Secondary School Sports championships as one of the best people and long serving disciplinarians in sports tournaments at district, regional and national levels. One thing he has mastered is knowing how to handle students in the best way citing examples from the bible. He says that wholistic education does not only help a student to live in harmony with others but it also prepares him/her for responsible service delivery and parenthood.
It is therefore paramount to note that whole-person development goes with wholistic education which is guaranteed with the integration of faith, learning, and service, aiming at nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, physical social dimensions of students. A student’s mind, body and spirit should help the him/her attain spiritual growth along with their mental(mind) and physical(body) wellbeing. In the book ‘Special Testimonies on Education,’ p. 48, the writer says, “Teachers are to do more for their students than to impart a knowledge of books. Their position as guide and instructors of the youth is most responsible, for to them is given the work of moulding mind and character. Those who undertake this work should possess well-balanced, symmetrical characters. They should be refined of manner, neat in dress, careful in all their habits; and they should have that true Christian courtesy that wins confidence and respect. The teacher should be himself what he wishes his students to become.”
It should therefore be noted that a student’s ability to wholly get knowledge in its fulness is a strong preparation for good citizenship. Corruption, robbery, cheating and many other bad vices can be avoided with this kind of education.
For God and my Country
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