Educationalists and child rights advocates are encouraging students to explore diverse career paths beyond conventional fields such as law, education, medicine, and engineering.
Speaking at the Holiday Media Program organized by High Sound for Children (HSC), experts emphasized the importance of emerging industries driven by market demands, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), to align with the evolving economy.
John Walugembe Kakungulu, a consultant with the World Bank, urged parents and teachers to expose children to modern careers, noting that the future job market requires innovative skills.
On his part, Christopher Kalema, a cybersecurity expert and facilitator at the program, highlighted the critical importance of online safety.
He warned against cyber threats targeting young users and urged parents to monitor children’s digital activities, teach essential online privacy skills, and minimize risky digital footprints.
“Many online users are under the age of 20, making children particularly vulnerable,” Mr. Kalema stated.
“While parents are trying their best to protect their children, they cannot tackle the addictive nature of social media alone. It is time for the government to establish stronger safeguards to ensure online safety for children.”
Lucky Mbabazi, a renowned radio personality and guest speaker, addressed the audience on the importance of mental wellness, urging young people to balance their digital lives.
“Social media is not everything—real life exists outside. Take time off to rest and care for yourself because your mental health matters. You can’t create content or help others without first prioritizing your own well-being,” she said.
Ms. Mbabazi also encouraged young people to take their time building personal brands and to seek guidance from elders. “There is no need to rush,” she added.
Ms. Hadasa Mirembe, the founder of High Sound for Children, explained the aim of the Holiday Media Program.
“We want to empower young people to speak and leverage media through school-based media clubs. This initiative is designed to unpack the opportunities and challenges presented by digital spaces.”
Ms. Patricia Osman, the executive director of HSC, noted that the program, now in its second edition, equipped participants with essential digital-age skills.
“The training covered key topics such as online kindness, cyberbullying, digital opportunities and risks, misplaced trust online, and the transformative power of using digital platforms for positive impact.”
The program serves as a platform for youth to develop skills that will prepare them for the demands of the digital world while fostering responsible online behavior and mental well-being.
