Thursday 16 November 2023

A Book Review of Step Out; Written by Julian Ogwal, Reviewed by Beverley N Nsengiyunva

 When an author is able to weave words and create a page-turner, we must give them respect.

'Step Out,' by Julian Ogwal, a Chartered Certified Accountant and mother of four home schooled children, is a captivating and courageous journey of a mother who worked her way into a successful and practical home schooler and educator, through asking questions, studying intensely and being real with the ups and downs of daily decisions.


Courtesy photo


Available at African Books dot com and all Aristoc Booklex outlets in Uganda

The beautiful reality with this relevant, relatable and rich collection of testimonials, learned lessons and advice for educators, parents and policy makers, is that there are pieces of wisdom to guide any adult or child on finding the path that pushes them to their full capacity. And through the learning and unlearning that we invariably face, the book is a tapestry of local, regional and international expertise that will change the mindset of a reader.

The book offers options, not just for teaching children but for life. In every aspect of our lives, as parents, acre-givers, career-makers, we need to decide what paths are actually best for our fullest capacity where we will leave an indelible impact.

What increases the profundity, is that it is a remarkable guide for Ugandan and African homeschoolers, without the pressure of adjusting to a western teaching methodology.

Decisions concerning school, curriculum choice, interaction with staff and peers, are endless. Parents and guardians alike agonize over these decisions and often, in despair, hope against hope that the schools will turn their children into miracles.

'Step Out,' is firm in underscoring the need for a parent and guardian's involvement. And in the busyness of  their lives, the book offers practical and workable solutions around work schedules, holidays, that enable quality time of bonding with children without the feeling of compromising on one's career.

The book is a genuine interaction of a mother who has experienced, learned, sought advice, travelled in quest for truth and opened her heart and vulnerability to mastering what education is truly about.

Step Out is a gift, and highly recommended for parents, teachers, guardians and teenagers alike, for them to appreciate that the journey of education extends beyond examinations, uniform and classroom instruction.

Well done, Ju!


Reviewed by Beverley N Nsengiyunva


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