Their Taunts Hurt Badly

Dear Auntie Betty, I am a boy of 13 and in Class Six. Anytime my class teacher asks me a question and I am unable to answer, he tells me that I am so daft that even an animal is better than me.

As a result of this, my classmates call me “Aboa kese” (meaning big animal) and this embarrasses me and makes me miserable in class. I have, therefore, decided not to answer any question in class. Auntie, what do you think?

Isaac,

Dome.

Dear Isaac, I can see the frustration you are going through, especially when it seems your classmates have the support of your teacher. But you can prove them wrong.

You can do that by taking pains to study hard. Get yourself a timetable and make sure you read over your notes regularly.

If you still cannot make any headway, inform your parents about your performance and request that they hire a teacher to teach you at home. I bet you, if you take things seriously you will improve and even beat some of your mates who are calling you names.

You can also inform your school counsellor or a teacher you trust to talk to your teacher on your behalf.

Isaac, take it from me — no student is so daft. It is just that it takes some students more time to grasp what is being taught than others.

Sometimes, too, some children have talents which they can be assisted to explore so don't give up. Believe in yourself and you will perform wonderfully.

Don't let what your teacher thinks about you hinder you from answering the questions which you have answers to. Even when you make a mistake, remember that we always learn from our mistakes.