Solange Umutoni, one of the participants and contestants during the recently concluded inter-university debate in Kigali, says she once used to be shy and afraid to say anything public, let alone her close friends. She says this, however, was not because she didn’t know or have what to say, but because she just didn’t have the confidence to openly engage in a conversation. The 22-year-old says she now expresses herself well, even if whatever she trying to put across isn’t always agreed with, thanks to a debate club she joined in high school. Clubs in schools Ronald Wandira, the head of the humanities department at Riviera High School and year leader—advanced level—at Rwanda Education Board (REB), says clubs are important in schools because they help students develop their capacity. For instance, he says, if a school has a writing club, it can aid members in improving writing skills, hence, better essays, and better performance in exams. Not forgetting, he says, they can also start writing articles for the media at a young age. Also, aside from teaching concepts, he notes that teachers should get more involved in clubs, so that they help students hone their talent skills. Nelson Mukasa, the executive director of Children and Youth Sports Organization in Rwanda, says participating in club activities helps improve communication skills, which can be important to students’ careers. He says teachers shouldn’t concentrate on studies only, rather, they should encourage and help learners join clubs that they think they best fit in. He mentions that doing well in studies hardly beats eloquence and a well-presented argument at their level, especially during debates. When it comes to law, he says, one should understand that regardless of the facts one has, if one cannot present them eloquently, it will be hard for the people that person is addressing to understand, let alone, believe. He says clubs help develop writing skills, negotiating skills and other forms of communication. Also, Mukasa says clubs in schools help nurture good leaders. He says by joining specific clubs in schools, it’s a great opportunity for students to exercise and practice leadership at an early age. When a learner is part of leadership, for instance, in different clubs at school, Mukasa says one gets opportunities to be trained and further develop leadership skills that will not only be beneficiary at school, but for the rest of their life. This, he says, gives them an advantage over others who did not take up leadership while at school. Wandira says clubs also promote teamwork among students. He says since club members normally work in teams, teamwork skill is developed as well. He adds that it’s an opportunity for students to learn from others and work well with their supervisors. He says this is not only important in learning institutions — skills can be applied outside the work environment. He further notes that clubs help develop friendships that can last a lifetime — of people who have a common interest and influence each other in a positive way. Diana Nawatti, the head teacher at Mother Mary Complex School, Kigali, says being in different clubs in schools as s student promotes networking. She says there is the chance to meet with various schools and other influential individuals, especially if a club of a certain school is making a presentation in an international event. She says this is so because during such competitions, successful business people and mentors are always invited to address the young people. Nawatti goes on to add that some clubs encourage their members to be innovative, and through interaction with other schools, they develop a creative mindset which can help them invent or create even bigger projects in the future. She says academic achievement is the primary target of school but in today’s world, it cannot be the only aim. “There are many learners doing well academically, but when institutions want to choose between two high performing students, they consider some of these skills,” she notes. She adds that clubs also increase the chances of students being considered while applying for different scholarships. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
