Dear counsellor, my mother recently opened a retail shop in town which we welcomed as a family since she is the one who takes care of us. However, last week she told me to stop school and help her at the shop. I have been feeling bad about it but I don’t know how to approach or convince her that I need to finish school first. I am desperate for a solution that will not compromise our relationship. Yours, Kayitesi

All parents want their children to succeed in life and they’re biologically pre-conditioned to love and support them unconditionally, and achieving this includes giving a child quality education. Although sometimes parents may seem embarrassingly old-fashioned when it comes to issues concerning their children’s education, it’s your responsibility to sensitise your mother on the importance of education and the relevance of helping you finish school first. It all begins with your own behaviour and how you conduct yourself, plus the approach you use to convince your mother. Make suggestions about your availability to help her in the shop over the weekends and evenings after school. This will make her gain interest. The knowledge which is attained through education will open doors to a lot of opportunities for better prospects in your career growth. An educated person has infinite curiosity, the passion to know and understand things, and complete objectivity.

If your mum insists that you should quit school and work in her shop, inform her that education is a very critical tool for your development and the community at large. Not only will education help you develop important skills, it will also break down socio-economic barriers and create opportunities for you to increase your future wages, as well as give you power to make great choices for your life. This is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s advisable that you approach close friends or family members who can talk to her on your behalf and keep you in school.

In whatever she does, let her not use money as a barricade to pursuing your education. There are many other options through which you can get the necessary assistance if you identify the right connections and seek external support like scholarships, grants or student loans.

Always appreciate your mother for the things she does for you and show her your performance in class with continuous assessment tests and examination results. She makes sacrifices for you, so reward her effort with gratitude, obedience and a positive respectful attitude. This way, she’ll see you as a focused child and will be more committed to supporting you throughout school. Be helpful and assume responsibility around the house by doing extra chores when you go home.

Their thoughts...

Abrar Ouzguiti, Business student

Education is a great opportunity and privilege in life that you shouldn’t take for granted. In my opinion, talk to your mother and tell her that education is important for your future. Let her see the importance of your studies.

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Francis Tumukunde, Salesperson

It’s obvious that your mother needs help at the shop but your education can’t be compromised. Convince your mother to find a worker who can help at the shop and may be over the weekend, you can help out. Help your mum find another option but you need to stay in school.

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Janet Nshemire, Business student

You need to sit down and have a chat with your mother about the business and your studies. It is your studies today that will help you get more opportunities in the future and enable you to contribute to the wellbeing of your family. Help her understand the opportunities that lie ahead if you continue with your education.

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Vincent Kazubwenge, University student

I understand your mother, it’s not easy to take care of a family alone and it’s possible that she is frustrated with the load of work. My advice is that you propose someone who can help her out in the time you are at school, may be a family member or relative. An affordable worker can also be an option. Don’t accept to drop out of school.

Compiled by Dennis Agaba