The title for today’s story is derived from one of the most wisdom-laden proverbs the English language has on offer. I do not seem to know of a better time to use the proverb than now. More importantly when I think of those students who this November, will sit national examinations to determine their next academic destiny. The third term kicked off this week and as is often annoyingly the case, some students have not yet reported to school. I know some schools always insist on full payment of school dues before a child a can attend class. However there is still a good number that simply delay to report to school in a bid to extend their holiday. Delaying to report to school can result in a student missing out on the first lessons taught. In another way, a teacher may delay to also start serious lessons as he or she waits for other students to show up. In the end this teacher will be forced to rush through certain topics as the term draws to an end. What we should note here is that all these actions result in the same thing. Precious time is lost. And this time can never be recovered. For those in candidate classes, the early bird surely catches the worm. You need to have reported to school in time in order to attend the first lessons of the term. As a candidate, it can really be foolish of you to waste time on holiday tales such as the time you met so and so at the expo. In November you will not be asked about the friends you met in Gikondo but the things that you have been taught over time. In other words a student in a candidate class should immediately embark on serious academic study without wasting anytime. To do this, one needs to really plan and be organised. Planning involves setting up a reading timetable that should be followed promptly. Find time to approach your teachers and ask them about things you do not understand clearly. Teachers also need to play their part in helping the proverbial early birds to get the worms. I am assuming that all serious candidates have already reported to school. I really cannot understand a student in a candidate class wasting time at home when they should be at school. Teachers should immediately embark on their teaching duties without having to wait for the laggards. A plan to complete the syllabi in time should be hatched by the teachers. This should be achieved before the time for the examinations so that students can have enough time to revise the material in their books. It is also necessary for teachers to make an effort to teach their learners about question approach so that they do not misfire during the examination time. Students need to be taught how to interpret questions and how best to go about answering them. If possible the students in candidate classes should have some of their non academic responsibilities reduced so that they can concentrate on preparing for the national exams. Prefects for instance need to hand over their roles to those in the classes below. Parents cannot be left out in this vital project as well. As a parent or guardian, you need to avail your child with all the necessities so that they can concentrate at school without any disturbances. Clearing all school dues will help your child’s studies not to be interrupted this term. However the most important of all is wise counsel. Just the like our proverb today, parents and teachers should take sometime to advise the students about the importance of preparing for exams and the merits of being responsible and well behaved as they prepare for the future ahead. The examination council has already released this year’s time table. It is time to catch the proverbial worm as soon as possible. ssenyonga@gmail.com
