A Story About Courage
If courage is honesty, who are individuals without the influence of school, grades, and formal education?
During class, the science teacher, Mr. Akena, often emphasized, “Feed your head!” The learners would typically agree, but in moments of silence, one might boldly add, “and your stomach, too!” Often, the silent majority would turn their eyes in disapproval.
From a young age, a mother instills the idea that better learning at school depends on finishing meals at home. Therefore, the efforts and achievements of many are rooted in maintaining a balanced diet, fostering physical and intellectual growth, and nothing more.
In classrooms where most learners aimed for scores above 70%, some individuals were seen as distracted and uninterested in passing tests. Others declared that these learners would inevitably fail in the future, speaking of them as cautionary tales rooted in their village origins.
What does the future hold today for such individuals? If there is any value that brings a smile, it is courage. It is not wasted on cramming facts to pass exams, nor on blindly following the path of the automated systems robots, Google, or Siri, that threaten to lead many into unemployment. For everyday tasks like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, tools such as calculators on laptops and phones are sufficient. After all, a robot’s job cannot be better performed by a human.
Fortunately, the courage to challenge the mainstream educational spirit has led to the emergence of creative leaders and system-disruptive thinkers. From childhood, questioning authority and exploring ideas, like challenging Mr. Akena to identify the dimensions in the twilight zone, highlighted the potential for disruptive thinking. Such acts, though sometimes met with punishment, demonstrate the power of curiosity among learners.
Teachers and parents, consider this: Do children truly enjoy solving geometric problems or learning about biological cells when they lack the desire to become biologists or chemists? Do they even feel comfortable expressing their dislike? Would adults have the courage to listen and understand their children’s true interests? While understanding physical phenomena and scientific origins is valuable, these subjects do not inherently teach empathy, perspective-taking, or independent thinking.
A mother’s wisdom, listening to stories around the fire, emphasizes that imagination surpasses knowledge and that listening surpasses talking. Thoughtfulness and silence are not voids to be filled with noise; rather, knowledge is born from imagination, the foundation of innovation. She believed that the most important aspect of life is personal authenticity, not others’ opinions or societal expectations.
To young people: do you have the courage to create your own future? Society often conditions individuals to think in limited ways. Years are spent in school, learning topics that may hold little personal interest, and producing polished applications with high grades, yet these often reflect mere memorization of facts rather than true understanding. Is remembering equivalent to learning? Can one apply what is remembered? Usually, no. Many dream of adult life filled with monotonous routines, earning money, buying possessions, and paying taxes. But where is the fulfillment in that? Do you have the freedom to think independently and pursue your true desires?
Seek courage and happiness. Listen to your inner voice to find happiness. Happiness equates to success doing what you love because it brings joy. When happiness, creativity and innovation flourish, the doors to new ideas and knowledge are opened. Creativity is a vital leadership skill. Do not deprive yourself of your future. Make wise decisions and pursue your genuine passion. Decide your own path and career. Be courageous. If possible, avoid accepting jobs that you hate just for money. Sometimes, taking calculated risks is necessary to craft the future you envision. The memory of your true self, long suppressed, may feel distant but remains worth pursuing before it becomes a distant echo of what once was.
Be brave and take bold steps just like Amani the Boda-Boda Rider
Written by: STEPi Ambassadors - Uganda
Date published: 12 June 2020
