QUALITY EDUCATION IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEGE
A Grandfather’s Legacy: The Gift of Education
My grandfather gave me a foundation. I remember vividly the day he asked me if I wanted to go to school. He didn’t assume—it was important to him that I had a choice. And when I said yes, he took my hand and led me to class on my very first day of school. That moment remains one of my most treasured memories.
This great man believed in education not just for his children but for everyone around him. He made sure that each of his children had the opportunity to learn, and for those who refused this chance, he tried forcing them — He gave them a chance. For us, his grandchildren, he was even more passionate especially when it came to educating the girls. He knew that knowledge would be our greatest inheritance.
“Hey Grandpa, I am trying my best in the best ways I can. I hope to make you proud. I hope to imagine that you are busy smiling in heaven”
Before he passed away, school was seamless because of him. He sold milk to the school and that became our school fees. We never had to worry about being sent home—at least not then. But his generosity didn’t end with us. He paid school fees for children who weren’t even his blood. He believed that education was not just a family matter but a community responsibility. In my book, he is a hero. He laid the foundation for my education, for my dreams.
[The late William Jack Kitabutuka, a great man of my days]RIP FOREVER🕊️
I am glad I acquired an education, but it was far from easy. My journey from primary school to secondary and then to college is a long one—one I may need to tell another day. I won’t forget the countless times I was sent home for school fees, the days I lacked scholastic materials, or the moments I sat in class unsure of how I would make it to the next term. And yet, I was still luckier than many—those who were sent home and never returned. I was still better off than those who were forced into early marriages, those who lost motivation after walking long distances to and from school every day and those who dropped out due to poverty and lack of support just because they were girls—while boys were given the chance to continue.
I often think about the dreams I had, the ones I had to let go of. I wanted so badly to become a lawyer, but when the time came, my family couldn’t afford the tuition. That dream slipped through my fingers, just like it does for so many others who are forced to choose survival over education.
Today, I hold onto the foundation my grandfather laid for me. His belief in education fuels my passion to see every child, especially girls have the chance to learn. Education should never be a privilege—it should be a right.
As I reflect on my journey, I wonder: How many children today still see education as a luxury? How many dreams are cut short because of financial barriers?
I have lived to understand that education is more than just acquiring knowledge. It is a powerful force that transforms individuals, strengthens communities and builds nations. From early childhood learning to lifelong education, the process of acquiring knowledge, skills and values shapes every aspect of life.
Yet, despite its undeniable importance, education remains a distant dream for many. There is deep pity for the child who still sees education as a luxury because for some, it truly is.
The harsh reality is that many children across the world still struggle to access quality education, not because they lack the will to learn but because the barriers are too high. Poverty, gender inequality, conflict and lack of resources continue to deny millions the opportunity to step into a classroom, hold a book, or dream of a future beyond survival.
The question that lingers in my mind is: Shall we truly achieve universal education? My hope is yes—but only if we stand united.
If we are to make education truly accessible to all, we must recognize that it is not just the responsibility of governments and policymakers. It is a collective effort. Parents, educators, community leaders and even young people themselves have a role to play. We must:
>> Advocate for policies that prioritize education as a fundamental right, not a privilege.
>> Support initiatives that make learning more inclusive and accessible, especially for marginalized communities.
>> Encourage alternative learning methods such as digital education, vocational training, and community-led schools for those who face systemic barriers.
>> Break societal norms that limit education, particularly for girls, by fostering mindsets that value knowledge over outdated traditions.
Education has the power to break cycles of poverty, open doors to opportunities, and build a generation that is equipped to lead and innovate. While the challenges remain great, so does our potential to overcome them if we work together.
The road to universal education is long but not impossible. It begins with a commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, that no dream is too far to reach and that education is not just a privilege of the few but a right for all.
🩷
ReplyDeleteGreat
ReplyDeleteKeep it up
ReplyDeleteThank you. I appreciate your comment❤️
DeleteYes! truly, we are!
ReplyDelete