Who gets a reward in real life?

One day our four-year-old daughter came home from school with a ‘well done’ sticker on her forehead. I decided to strike a conversation and asked about this sticker. Now let us get the article clear here. I am not writing to demonstrate whether the fees we pay for kindergarten are lower or higher than those for University of Malawi (Unima) students, although I have heard this has been a matter of contention in some circles. Whether this girl, if she happens to go to Unima, will pay lower fees is subject for discussion another day.

 
There is legitimate interest in this country’s education. Education has been key to better life for individuals and families. The person who gets a university degree from a reputable institution is able to extricate from poverty as it gives them a license to remain above the poverty line. The argument that public university students do not pay fees, but make a contribution makes the discussion especially political. Who should enjoy the privilege of public university and who may not enjoy are all questions that have eluded public agreement.

 
Let me get back to today’s issue.  The girl said she earned the sticker because she was quiet in class. Oh my goodness! I screamed, how could anyone get a reward for being dead as in a cemetery? How can a classroom be a place for tranquillity when it should be a place for the exchange of ideas, sharing of opinions and trying out ways of solving problems? So, I asked again whether the sticker was indeed a reward for not opening one’s mouth. Later, the girl changed and said the sticker was earned because she had counted backwards from 20 to zero. Upon hearing this new version, I asked her to count backwards from 20 to zero. She counted backwards without difficulty and the case was closed.

 
I heard the other day that FAM (Football Association of Malawi), was excited government may be funding the association directly and not through the National Council of Sports. I did not get to learn all the details, but FAM was pleased that such an approach may result in getting more funding. I do not know the council’s current opinion. My estimation is that it (council) may not be pleased. It was created by the government as a parastatal for the coordination of sports. New knowledge certainly can change practice. I am looking forward to seeing whether indeed more money gets to FAM.

 
I heard the day that over 2 000 people had been arrested between the first two and three weeks of September 2014. We need more jails don’t we?