Fourth Dimension: Seek character above grades

The release of the Uganda National Examination results always comes with great hype and a sense of great accomplishment. Unfortunately, the focus is often not on the children, but on the schools performance. The children are simply counted as sets of statistics to verify some assumptions in the education sector.

And the media has continued to fan aflame a comparison debate: “which regions performed better than their counterparts?” I think this is a case of comparing apples and oranges. It’s made worse by the insinuation of tribal and political biases in the overall performance of the children.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, he strongly opposes the notion of comparing one person against another: “For we would not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who recommend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.” (2 Corinthians 10:12) Paul indicates that classifications and comparisons serve no purpose in fulfilling the purposes of God in our lives.

Comparing rural schools to urban schools makes no sense and is not for the good of education in Uganda. The different factors that influence the examination results of the children can never provide fair grounds for comparisons. Working out comparisons serves as a diversion from the critical matters that need to be addressed:

Examinations as they stand in Uganda only reflect the academic side of education. Wholesome education seeks to establish the formation of character in the students, who later turn into worthy citizens. We must go beyond the assumption that the first grades are the true reflection of hard work on the part of the students. I believe there are fourth graders whose hard work needs to be applauded by all. We also hope that the process of hard work prior to the examination time has sealed the principle of hard work in the hearts of these young ones.

The acclaim of the schools with many first grades should not be viewed apart from the integrity of the schools. Once there was a survey over the quality of schools in Uganda. The results were hushed out of sight because of their revealing nature. Schools were assessed on their wholistic approach to education and many were found wanting. And what about those children who are forbidden to sit for their exams because the school authorities feel their results will taint the name of the school? This is immoral and should be declared illegal. Schools need to demonstrate their commitment to education for all by committing to include fourth grade students in their lists of candidates. Our goal should not be simply be first grades, but how many we help to get across the finishing line.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com