Elite leaders don’t fear social networks

It was one of those unexpected arrivals on one of the famously known social networks—FACEBOOK! Nobody could believe that he literally logged on the website and signed up! As an Old Boy (OB) of Lycee De Kigali, I thought he was stuck on yahoo like glue and paper.

If you happen to know Mr. Martin Masabo; the headmaster that you do not want to come across when your shirt is lagging out of your skirts or trousers—even if it’s unintentional. He is a man who has very high expectations of discipline and order in the school he heads.

That is to say, he will work as hard as possible to achieve that. In that case, if you happen to be out of bounds—you are ironed!

Most of the students at Lycee De Kigali (LDK) and many alumnae’s perspective of him was that he is inflexible, rigid and not advisable but he proved everybody wrong when he joined Facebook.

Social Networking sites in Rwanda are commonly known to be used by the youth and a few members of the older generation.

They seem to be considered as "something not good”—well, I would understand that because nowadays people abuse social networks; there is a lot of blackmailing. For this particular reason, many BIG people seem not to enjoy social networking.

Nevertheless, there is quite a number of BIG names that we have seen join Facebook. Let’s take an example of H.E Paul Kagame. He is on Facebook, even though he prefers TWITTER.

Other people include the likes of Dr. Richard Sezibera, Ambassador, Joseph Habineza, Hon. Rose Kabuye, and several others.

Now, Mr. Masabo the headmaster of Lycee de Kigali is hooked on. This shows how bold, eager and flexible these people are. They are ready to face change.

I took time to ask Mr. Martin why he joined Facebook and he answered this in his own words:

"I have to follow up on my students, even when they are out of school. It is my responsibility. A good leader is one who changes positions and roles easily.

These are times where formality is fading—creativity is needed to improve the quality of work,” he said.

He noted that, technology is simplifying work: "Why not keep track of your students,” he adds.

He insisted that it was because of the alumnae that he joined Facebook. Lycee de Kigali alumnae are organizing a huge get-together on September the 18th, 2011, where all old students since the 1970s to date will gather to celebrate their time at LDK and also officially launch their alumni group.

There you will find honorable Louise MUSHIKIWABO, Minister BAZIVAMO Christopher, Prime Minister MAKUZA Bernard, and entertainers like KNC and Tom Close among others. 

Masabo invited all students that went through his school, sponsors and all media houses to come and share great times of the school as they launch LDK alumni group.

Headmaster’s favorite sayings:

"Never trouble till be trouble troubles you”

"An idle mind is the devil’s workshop”

"Food fast”

"A wise man changes but a fool never”

"Do the right thing, at right time, in the right place”"Serve best the people you are entrusted. Be patriotic.”

Ends