I read with mild disdain and concern remarks made by Mr Patrick Okwir, headteacher Apach secondary school concerning strike ringleaders in secondary schools.
He suggested that such ringleaders ought to be blacklisted and therefore denied admission in schools within Apach District.
Lira Resident District Commissioner, Mr Emmanuel Mwaka Lutukumoi, claims there are organised strike groups such as “Lango joint strike group”, which plan, scheme and organise these strikes.
I haven't heard something more ridiculous. Is this RDC suggesting that a bunch of youth dedicate their time to meet and draft a way forward with regard to schools to target. Strikes are reactions not inventions!
He points a possibly long crooked finger at the striking students; condemning them to the abyss of damnation. He refuses to acknowledge that the society entrusts it's students to his lot. He is the potter, he's expected to mould students into socially acceptable citizens. To condemn students is to acknowledge that he has failed in his role. It's to appreciate that his lot ought to step down.
Kicking out an untamed monster is unleashing untold terror upon society. How will they learn?
What do you expect of students upon whom violence is meted day in day out in the form of archaic punishment modes like wielding the cane? We need to take violence out of schools, and find appropriate modes of correcting misbehaviour and failure.
Why can't we give them another chance. Why can't we show them the way, why can't we learn to tolerate expression of grievances? Students shouldn't be gagged.
Students should be allowed to express themselves, aggression often means alternative means have proved futile. Are there efficient mechanisms to express grievances?
But I'm just a student, no one will listen.
