ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK … Tr. MAXON JOHN KASUMBA

Many people have impacted our lives, in so many different ways. This article has been written to give special recognition to these people. I was inspired to write this article for one of my teachers, Kasumba Maxon…aka Maxon Southgate. During my years at Riviera High School, Tr. Maxon used to write an article entitled Borrow a leaf in the school newspaper and it inspired so many young people. He was one of those teachers with an interesting personality. I remember he would tell us to be in class as early as 5:30 am on a Monday morning and this was not an easy task. Most students know what I mean because Monday is the worst day for any student. Let’s talk about the tests; I have had so many examinations in my life but non like the short history tests by Maxon. The highest any student got was 15 out 30! There is a time we could write notes at the expense of entertainment while Tr Maxon dictating the notes. Then I would wonder if this man really had a heart. There are so many things that I would write about this gentleman! Little did we know that Tr. Maxon was preparing us for a bright future. This said, today we all realise that he wished us well. The short tests taught us the power of knowledge. As a result, no one in my class had a problem of years and names in history! The early mornings taught us that in life you have to sacrifice something in order to be an achiever. The long hours of writing notes at the expense of entertainment shaped us for a future of hard work for survival! I and many other students who have gone through the hands of Tr. Maxon do hold him highly for what we are today because he played a very positive role in our lives, and we do appreciate his efforts. For your role in the lives of many students in Rwanda, from your days at FAWE to Riviera High School and now at Lycée de Kigali, thank you so much. We want you to know that we appreciate your efforts! There are other teachers who can learn from you in terms of shaping the future of young people, because that is what education is all about. Good luck in all your efforts. Every week, we shall be recognizing different people who have played a positive role in the lives of the youth in Rwanda. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have some suggestions! Ends