On a sunny Saturday afternoon, June 7, nearly 30 parents gathered at Talemwa Junior School in Mukono District to learn about parenting for life skills. Many had left this role to teachers alone, but it is crucial for preparing children for real-life challenges. This session aimed to help parents teach creativity and problem-solving at home.
Two experienced trainers led the session. They encouraged parents to think practically and inventively, just as they want their children to do. For example, trainer Frank Kukuza posed a simple but effective scenario: What would you do if no sugar was available at home, yet your children needed tea?
Parents offered various solutions. Some suggested serving tea without sugar. Others proposed adding sweet potatoes for flavor or buying sugar on credit from a local shop. Ms. Ritah Nayanzi, a mother of four, chose the first option. She explained, “This approach teaches children to use what they have. Therefore, it encourages creativity and problem-solving with limited resources.”
Another parent, Mr. Paul Kimera, shared his story. When his son asked for a bicycle, Mr. Kimera gave him a chicken instead. The child raised it, sold it, bought goats and pigs, and eventually earned enough to buy the bicycle himself.
Mr. Kimera said, “I didn’t want to hand it to him on a silver platter. Rather, I wanted him to understand hard work.” His approach helped his son learn animal care, financial management, and responsibility—key parts of parenting for life skills.
Meanwhile, Sarah, a parent from Kusatuu in Mukono, shared concerns about urban children’s attitudes. She noted that some children claim they are “planned kids” who refuse to do hard work. “Such an attitude, unfortunately, will not help them survive in real life,” she warned.
Trainer Frank Kukuza urged parents to talk openly with their children about daily realities. “Teach them about the economics of life,” he said. “For instance, if you earn 1,000 shillings, someone else lost it.”
Dr. Mary Goretti Nakabugo, executive director of Uwezo, emphasized the importance of this shift. Uganda and other East African countries are moving away from traditional content-based education toward competency-based learning. This new approach focuses on life skills and values.
Moreover, Dr. Nakabugo explained that Uwezo is engaging parents in six districts—including Mukono, Kampala, Tororo, Sheema, Oyam, and Kanungu—to raise awareness about parenting for life skills. The AliVe parental and community engagement campaign runs for ten weeks. Its goal is to explore effective parenting and community support strategies.
Additionally, Dr. Grace Baguma, director of the National Curriculum Development Centre, highlighted how children learn from their parents’ actions more than textbooks. “Kids copy what we do. That’s the hidden curriculum,” she said. “It shapes their character more than formal lessons.”
She also criticized highly educated Ugandans who lack basic life skills. “Even PhD holders may struggle with simple tasks like keeping their environment clean because no one taught them life skills early on,” Dr. Baguma noted.
In conclusion, parenting for life skills plays a vital role. It prepares children not only for academic success but also for life’s realities. Through practical experience, creativity, and strong character-building at home, parents raise children who become resourceful problem solvers.
