HALIMA NANSUBUGA: Beyond the classroom — Why Education must prepare young people for life

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Halima Nansubuga arguing that education systems in Africa and the Arab world often focus too heavily on examinations while leaving young people underprepared for everyday life. The author says many students finish school with academic credentials but little practical knowledge about money management, finding work, starting a business, handling stress or making informed decisions in a digital environment.

The article calls for schools to place greater emphasis on financial literacy, employability skills, entrepreneurship, mental well-being and digital literacy. It suggests that young people should learn budgeting, saving, borrowing responsibly, writing CVs, preparing for interviews, communicating professionally and protecting themselves online. Nansubuga also says education should help students deal with pressure, failure and conflict in healthier ways.

The piece uses Uganda and other countries in Africa and the Arab world as examples of places where these gaps matter because many young people are entering competitive labor markets or building livelihoods through small businesses, agriculture, technology and the informal economy. It argues that certificates alone are not enough and that learning should be more closely linked to real-world challenges.

Nansubuga frames the issue as a shared responsibility for governments, schools, universities, businesses, youth groups and communities. She concludes that education should prepare young people not only to pass exams, but also to become employable, entrepreneurial, responsible and capable citizens.