Every year, school administrators invite learners to apply for different leadership positions. They may include head prefect, information prefect, and entertainment secretary among others. Driven by passion or love for privileges that come with leadership positions, the response by students is usually impressive.

 Some of the privileges include having special meals, not queuing for services and being friends with teachers among others. Furthermore, prefects in many schools, at the end of their term, are rewarded with picnics and certificates for their exemplary service. 

But unfortunately for many of them, their joy is usually short-lived especially when it occurs to them that they failed academically especially in the national examinations.

Jackson mugabo, who was a head prefect a few years ago in a school in Kigali, explains that his academic performance declined because he focused more on his leadership duties than studies. And he is not the first one. No wonder a substantial number of people have concluded that every school leader is destined to fail – at least academically.

However, some students have demystified this conclusion by excelling both in class and in their leadership responsibilities.

Nelson Bagabo, who recently completed his term as a head prefect at Riviera High School, says his performance was never affected by his extra leadership duties. He says a good leader must strive to do everything well in order to inspire fellow students.

"Managing both academics and leadership requires one important thing - effective time management. A prefect must endeavour to attend class and prep just like any other student. One should assume those responsibilities after lessons or during their free time,” Bagabo explains.

CyprieneNkundimana, a trader in kicukiro market, says his daughter was a head girl during her A’level and yet she maintained her good grades till the end.

"My daughter never failed in her academics despite her position. In fact she got a scholarship to study abroad thanks to her leadership skills,” Nkundimana says.

A prefect is also expected to be on top of his or her game at all times.

"A passionate student leader is supposed to be creative, innovative and open-minded in order to achieve more,” says Sinamenye Charles, the head teacher, Umuco Mwiza School.

Prefect-teacher relationship

According to Kamili Ntawuhiganayo, a teacher at GS Kicukiro, prefects are supposed to supervise students in their performance of duties and act as a bridge between students and teachers.

Ntawuhiganayo further notes that elected students’ leaders at his school initially receive training before they assume their duties to ensure efficiency.

"We always remind them that the responsibilities they are given at school should not interfere with their studies because they are the priority. This is done to ensure that the prefects don’t take their responsibilities as a job,” he explains.

Ntawuhiganayo adds that in case prefects have too much on their plate, or when exams are approaching, teachers always give them a hand to enable them read for exams.

TheophileHabiyambere, the dean of studies Gashora Girls School, adds that the responsibility of prefects is to identify and report different cases to the school administration for a solution.

"We teach them (prefects) time management which helps them to rearrange their tasks at school,” Habiyambere says.

Challenges

Some prefects attribute their failure to teachers who withdraw completely and leave everything (including grave indiscipline cases) to them. This, according to them, leaves prefects with no private time to read.

Others argue that the high expectations of them by both students and teachers tend to do more harm than good to the prefects.

"Students and teachers expect us to be perfect in everything and this means that if a prefect does something wrong, they become the centre of scorn which crashes their self esteem,” says Jacqueline Uwase, a former student leader.

However, Bagabo says challenges will always be there and that’s the real test of a good leader.

"To be an upright leader, you must have a positive attitude towards the people you lead and also create a friendly relationship with students so that they warmly respond to your decisions,” he explains.

Fruits of leadership

Experts say school leadership is good for one’s curriculum vitae. Oscar Budandi, the human resource and business development at Q-sourcing Rwanda Ltd, says: "A person with leadership experience on their resume is more likely to get the attention of the hiring manager. Besides, it makes one more confident and open-minded during the interview thus standing a chance to get hired.”

Fred Karomba, a student and former information prefect at Kagarama Secondary School, also shares his experience.

 "As a news reporter, I gained a lot of communication skills and this eventually boosted my confidence thus turning me into a great debater,” he says.

Can one balance academics, leadership?

Theophile Habiyambere, Director of Studies Gashora Girls

Everything is possible as long as you manage your time well. Student leaders should know that when it’s time for class, they should put their positions aside and concentrate on studies like others. Time management is the only way one can balance both academics and leadership duties.

Linda Kirezi, a student  at Kepler Rwanda

Developing a clear schedule is the way to go. In order to manage both, one should know what needs to be done and when. If you plan well and stick to your programme, it becomes easy to execute both missions successfully. Students should also prioritise their activities but dedicate most of the time to books.

EpimackTuratsinze, student College APEGIRUBUKI

Leadership roles although time consuming are very important for many reasons. However, every student – whether a leader or not – must know that academics come first. Therefore any smart leader should wear his leadership hat during break or weekend but read hard during classtime.

Teddy Muhawenimana, a vendor

How one performs in both roles largely depends on how they manage their time. The prefect should know when to run after students and when to read otherwise they risk failing. The school administration and teachers should support prefects so that they are not overwhelmed. Too much work can affect one’s performance.

Aloys Twizeyimana, student, GS Inkatazamubahizi

The only way to balance leadership duties and academics is by working as a team. A prefect must learn to delegate some responsibilities lest they become overstretched.

Team work is very essential in leadership because it simplifies work. Student leaders must always remember to treat academics as priority.