The Minister for Education in the Kingdom of Buganda, Cotilda Nakate Kikomeko, has reminded parents that raising and nurturing a child is a shared responsibility, especially during the holiday season.
Speaking while officiating at the end-of-year closing ceremony at Kids and Love Daycare and Kindergarten in Bwebajja--where children showcased the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout the school year--Nakate encouraged parents to equip their children with essential life skills, support their talents, and pass on cultural knowledge, including language and heritage.
"Raising a child is a collective responsibility. Teachers must diligently fulfil their role in school, and parents must do the same at home--teaching children household skills, their mother tongue, culture, and good morals," Nakate said.
She emphasized the critical role teachers play in early childhood development, noting that their influence is lasting even from the earliest stages. Nakate also revealed that the Buganda Kingdom has previously submitted several proposals to the Government, including calls for fair remuneration and improved working conditions for teachers.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
The minister commended the staff of Kids and Love Daycare and Kindergarten for their dedication over the past six years and their commitment to preparing young learners for the future. She urged parents to maintain consistency in their children's education and avoid frequently transferring them between schools, warning that this disrupts learning progress.
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, a co-founder of the school, also appealed to parents to raise their children with both discipline and care.
"When a child makes a mistake, you should correct and discipline them, but not mistreat them. And when they do something good, you should appreciate and encourage them. This is how a child is properly prepared for life," he said.
Mayiga praised the teachers for their efforts in identifying and nurturing children's talents and encouraged parents to complement educators' contributions in shaping future opportunities for their children.
Mrs. Margaret Mayiga, another co-founder of the institution, explained that this year's theme--"Shared Responsibility in Raising a Child"--was chosen to highlight the vital role of every stakeholder in a child's growth. She thanked parents for entrusting the school with their children and assured them of continued delivery of quality education.
She also announced that starting in 2026, the school will expand its academic offering to include Primary Five and Primary Six.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The ceremony featured a range of children's performances, including music, dance, poetry, games, and public speaking.
