Educationalists and child rights advocates are calling on schools, parents, and teachers to guide students toward exploring diverse, modern career paths beyond traditional professions such as law, medicine, engineering, and education.
John Walugembe Kakungulu, a World Bank consultant, emphasized the importance of equipping students with knowledge about emerging fields driven by market demand. Highlighting Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a critical area, he urged stakeholders to align educational guidance with evolving economic opportunities.
“The future of work demands adaptability and innovation. We must guide our children to explore career paths in emerging fields like ICT, which are reshaping the global economy. It’s time to think beyond traditional professions and equip young minds for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Kakungulu shared his insights at a holiday media program organized by High Sound for Children (HSC), a child rights advocacy organization. The event aimed to empower young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.
Cybersecurity expert Christopher Kalema, one of the program facilitators, stressed the importance of online safety for children. He warned parents about ill-intentioned individuals in the digital space and urged them to monitor their children’s online activities while teaching digital security skills.
“Most online users are under 20 years old, which means children are particularly vulnerable. While parents are doing their best, the government needs to step in and create responsible safeguards to combat the addictive and potentially harmful nature of social media,” Kalema said.
Radio personality and guest speaker Lucky Mbabazi encouraged young people to be cautious online, advocating for balance and mental wellness. “Social media is not life; life happens outside of it. Take breaks, focus on your mental health, and build your brand at your own pace. Seek guidance from older generations and avoid rushing,” she advised.
Mbabazi emphasized self-care, stating, “You can’t create meaningful content or care for others if you’re not taking care of yourself.”
Ms. Hadasa Mirembe, founder of High Sound for Children, highlighted the program’s goal: “The Holiday Media Program is about empowering young people to express themselves. Through our School Media Clubs, we unpack media for the youth and equip them with essential digital skills.”
Patricia Osman, HSC’s executive director, elaborated on the program’s focus. “This training is about teaching young people how to navigate the digital space responsibly. We covered topics like online kindness, cyberbullying, the advantages and disadvantages of digital platforms, and stories of transformative online actions.”
Now in its second edition, the training brought together youth to learn how to leverage digital tools for good while remaining vigilant against online risks.
The program is a reminder of the importance of fostering diverse career aspirations and prioritizing children’s digital safety in an increasingly interconnected world.
