Kampala, (UG):- Educationalists and child rights advocates have been urged 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, to align with evolving economic opportunities.
Speaking at a holiday media program by High Sound for Children, a child rights advocacy organization, he called on parents and teachers to expose children to diverse, modern careers.
On his part, cyber security expert Christopher Kalema who was among the facilitators highlighted the importance of online privacy, warning about ill-intentioned individuals.
Kalema urged parents to monitor children’s digital activities, teach digital security skills, and be cautious about their children’s digital footprints. He also asked the government to strengthen online protections for children.
“Majority of the online users are people below 20 years of age, therefore, the children must be protected, because the figures in question provide a picture that, even the majority of the children are accessing social media.” Mr. Kalema stated.
He added that Parents are doing all they can to keep their children safe, but they can’t combat the addictive nature of social media alone. “It’s time for the government to step in and create responsible safeguards”.
“You’re young people and there are so many people who want to take advantage of you online, so be careful. At times it’s okay, you can take a rest off Social media because it’s not life, life is outside.” Said Ms. Lucky Mbabazi, a radio personality.
Lucky who was the guest speaker said “Take care of yourself because your mental wellness matters too. How will you create content and take care of other people before taking care of yourself.” Let’s build our brands slowly also consider the old people at home for guidance and don’t be in a rush. She added.
“The Holiday Media Program is to empower Young People to speak and through our School Media Clubs we unpack media for Young People,” said Ms Hadasa Mirembe, the founder of High Sound for Children -HSC.
On her part, Ms. Patricia Osman, the executive director of the organization said; “For the second time, young people gathered to participate in a training aimed at empowering them with essential skills for the digital age.”
“The training delved into stories of online kindness, cyberbullying, advantages and disadvantages of the digital spaces, cautionary tales of misplaced trust, and the transformative power of using digital platforms for good,” she further noted.
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