Dear Counsellor,

I would like to take on extracurricular activities like sports but I’m afraid this will take up time I could use to revise. I’m not a very smart student so I need all the time I can get. Is it possible to balance the two? Maria -----

Doing well in class is not enough because better concentration in the classroom is a result of physical activity. A career is not the only part of an adult’s life; it is a balance between natural talent and professional needs, both of which are required to broaden your experiences in life.  Participating in such activities will give you a chance to relax and interact well with others. Co-curricular activities are an integral part of education. Being able to participate in dance, drama, games and sports at school is beneficial.  This helps you to become more confident and it will enhance your skills. Developing social skills will be good for you throughout your life in both your professional and personal endeavours. You will learn to set and strive for personal, achievable goals as well as develop knowledge, understanding and skills across a wide range of social and academic scales. Research has it that, students who engage in co-curricular activities during school days are more likely to develop higher concentration levels in class than their counterparts. Participating in a variety of age-appropriate activities will help improve your flexibility, allowing your muscles and joints to move easily.

Regular physical activities improve the body’s absorption of nutrients, increase physiological development and improve the digestive process. This is because getting the recommended amount of exercise combats obesity, which subsequently reduces the risk of heart disease, sleep disorders and other illnesses. You will learn the fundamentals of a healthful lifestyle, cooperation, leadership qualities, creativity and innovation through group activities, and form a positive sense of identity as part of a team — both of which are essential.

Co-curricular activities have a greater influence on your development and create opportunities to assume leadership, cooperate with others, and, this will boost your self-esteem. Don’t ignore the significance of co-curricular activities, rather, use this time to get involved and you will remain actively successful in life.

Their thoughts...

Josephine Tumukunde, Model

Dear Maria, engaging in extracurricular activities is good. These activities are designed to help students relax and refresh their minds after long hours of class work. Sports might help you do better academically since it will help your brain. Make a timetable. -----

Remy Mugabo, Salesperson

Please put in mind that extracurricular activities are put in place by schools, not to waste students’ time, but to help them make use of their free time productively. As a hardworking student, you also need time to refresh and clear your mind, and exercise is the way to do that. Plan your time well, especially after class. -----

Abel Mugemanyi, Administrator

It’s possible to balance your studies and extracurricular activities, and most importantly benefit from them both. The first step is to identify what kind of activities you wish to engage in and the time it would take. My advice is that you spare an hour after class and do sports. It could ease revision. -----

Phiona M Mitchie, University student

It’s always good to learn from others, especially those who have managed to excel in their studies and other activities at school. There is an old saying — "Work without playing makes Jack a dull boy”. Use this approach and learn from your friends.