Just a few decades ago, getting an education was a nightmare for many Africans. And especially so if that African was a girl.
One thing I have always failed to understand is why girls were looked down upon yet if given the opportunity many would have gone on to be successful. Instead, they were married off and their dreams shattered. Thanks to civilisation, today every child has a right to education.
That aside, nowadays what worries most African parents is their children's grades and career paths. Back in primary school when asked what course one wanted to pursue most children would say medicine. And not just medicine, but something like neurosurgery just like Dr Ben Carson. It was every child’s dream to do great things.
After four years of high school, asked the same question, many would give a different answer. Very few will have kept their primary school dream alive. This brings about lots of negative judgements from many quarters but that shouldn’t be the case. A lot happens during those four years and one gets to gauge themselves and eventually decide what to go for.
Many African parents hold courses such as law, engineering and medicine in high regard and push their children to pursue them. In the West, children are allowed to exploit their talents as career paths from an early age and parents support them.
How I wish African governments would encourage this policy. The Kenyan government has taken a step in this direction with the introduction of the competency-based curriculum.
People have different gifts. Some are cut out to be doctors, lawyers and engineers and it's ok for them to go to university and study for these careers.
One question most people don’t ask is, what about the others? The government has set up colleges and polytechnics to give more children a chance to acquire higher education. Graduates of these institutions can succeed in life so long as they are determined, hardworking and positive.
It is best for parents or guardians and children to discuss and agree on what courses the latter should pursue in line with the desires of their hearts. There is no competition in success. It is a matter of doing what is right at the right place, time and with the right people. We all have different destinies.
Journalism student at KCA University
