What Seeds are we sowing?
During my recent visit to the Rotary Club of Mukono, I had the opportunity to hand over scholastic materials and desks to a school supported by the club. Later, while reviewing photos from the event, I noticed a particularly striking image: a young girl gazing at me with what seemed to be deep admiration. This moment triggered a memory of an experience from nearly twenty years ago.
Back then, a colleague and I were assigned to the mid-west-ern region of Uganda to conduct focus group discussions with local community leaders. We were the only women in a room full of older men, and initially, we were worried that that they might dismiss us as just city girls, with little experience of real- world challenges. However, as the discussion on governance and social accountability progressed, we found ourselves engaged in a lively exchange. When it was time to wrap up, we expected the usual polite remarks. Instead, one of the quieter men stood up and said, “Thank you, young ladies, for coming here today and teaching us so much. After watching and listening to you, I have decided to keep my daughter in school and make sure she finishes her education. I would like her to be like you one day.” In that moment, the notes and data we had collected seemed insignificant com-pared to the impact we had made. Knowing that we had in-spired a community where girls are often married off early was incredibly moving.
Reflecting on this, I realize that our influence in promoting basic education and literacy extends beyond tangible do-nations. While desks, books, and classrooms are crucial, our ability to inspire and shift mindsets is equally powerful. I am not sure what the little girl in Mukono admired about me, but I hope it was something positive. Perhaps she, too, dreams of becoming a woman of significance, one day.
As we commemorate the month of basic education and literacy, I would like to encourage you to reflect on how else you can use your influence to inspire and make a difference. For example, how are you engaging with school children to motivate and empower them to become better citizens and leaders with the desire to create a better society?
Back then, a colleague and I were assigned to the mid-west-ern region of Uganda to conduct focus group discussions with local community leaders. We were the only women in a room full of older men, and initially, we were worried that that they might dismiss us as just city girls, with little experience of real- world challenges. However, as the discussion on governance and social accountability progressed, we found ourselves engaged in a lively exchange. When it was time to wrap up, we expected the usual polite remarks. Instead, one of the quieter men stood up and said, “Thank you, young ladies, for coming here today and teaching us so much. After watching and listening to you, I have decided to keep my daughter in school and make sure she finishes her education. I would like her to be like you one day.” In that moment, the notes and data we had collected seemed insignificant com-pared to the impact we had made. Knowing that we had in-spired a community where girls are often married off early was incredibly moving.
Reflecting on this, I realize that our influence in promoting basic education and literacy extends beyond tangible do-nations. While desks, books, and classrooms are crucial, our ability to inspire and shift mindsets is equally powerful. I am not sure what the little girl in Mukono admired about me, but I hope it was something positive. Perhaps she, too, dreams of becoming a woman of significance, one day.
As we commemorate the month of basic education and literacy, I would like to encourage you to reflect on how else you can use your influence to inspire and make a difference. For example, how are you engaging with school children to motivate and empower them to become better citizens and leaders with the desire to create a better society?
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