MY TEACHERS WANT ME TO BECOME A HEADGIRL BUT I DON’T WANT. WON’T THEY GET ANGRY WITH ME? HOW CAN I POLITELY DECLINE THEIR REQUEST. JACKY

Dear Jacky,

Becoming a prefect is a great opportunity to master leadership which you will need even in your adulthood.  In fact research shows that many successful people in the world today held positions of responsibility while still at school. It is actually good for your CV. So if your teachers have identified those special leadership qualities in you, I would encourage you to give it a try.

Prefects have advantages over other ordinary students. For instance prefects act as role models for other students which is humbling. Don’t you want to positively influence your schoolmates? Fortunately, you will not be alone in service. You will work with the teachers to create a better place to learn, mentor and inspire students.

You will be given responsibility in form of organising and running school events which impresses teachers and also puts you in good stead for the future.

If you want to succeed in that role, endeavour to be approachable, decent in dress and language, and always try to be as clear as possible in your communication to students, teachers and parents.

You might feel nervous at the beginning, but as you interact with other people, you will start getting the confidence to do your job well.Remember to be friendly to fellow prefects since you are all working for the good of the school and students.

In case the responsibility put on your shoulders is too much for you, discuss it with the teachers but do not turn down their request.

However, don’t use it as an opportunity to intimidate or bully other students. You will be sending out a bad signal to the students you lead if you break the rules or fail to enforce them.

The writer is a teacher and counsellor

YOUR COUNSEL

Charlotte Umutoni

Your teachers must have seen certain leadership skills in you and that is why they are asking you to take up that position. How come they have chosen you among the many? I think you should respect your teachers’ decision afterall you will be the beneficiary.

Cornalius Kisitu    

Don’t care about whether the teachers are happy or unhappy with your decision. If you don’t want to be a prefect, so be it. What matters is knowing what you want and how to achieve it. Everything else is peripheral.

Martin Lukanga   

Why do you refuse leadership if you have been chosen by God through your teachers? God gave everyone special gifts and leadership could be one of yours. I advise you to take up that offer.

Martin Bugingo      

Why don’t you want to take up that responsibility? Leadership is a life changing lesson that you should welcome. Your teachers know what is best for you and you should trust their judgement. I’m sure you won’t regret.