Dear Aunt Silvia,

One of your grateful readers from Kisoro, Uganda, is here. I must admit that your words always guide people who want to serve others. I am a 38-year-old man with a daughter who just finished high school. I want her to continue her education so she can build a strong career. My mother, however, insists that she should join community service right away, helping at our local parish and supporting families in need. She believes this will give her discipline and prepare her for life. She has even spoken to the parish leader about assigning her tasks. What shall I do?

Yours,

Kizito (Kisoro, Uganda)

Dear Kizito,

Thank you for sharing your concern. Your letter is unique because many parents want their children to focus only on studies, but you are balancing two meaningful paths — service and education.

From your description, it appears that you have worked hard to reach your current position. Perhaps you fear that without a career foundation, your daughter might face the same struggles you endured. Your mother, however, sees service as the first step toward maturity and responsibility. You did not mention what your wife’s position is (I hope my assumption that you are married is correct).

Both education and social responsibility are essential. Yet we must remember that community service, while noble, should not come at the cost of a young person’s long-term opportunities. Education can empower your daughter to serve in more impactful ways later — whether as a lawyer, nurse, doctor or teacher. Without preparation, her contributions might remain limited.

The key question: Is she ready to make this choice herself? Accurate service must be voluntary, not something arranged by others. If she serves because she feels pressured, the experience may not yield growth or produce meaningful results. Have you asked your daughter for her opinion?

Regardless, I suggest you encourage her to pursue her studies first, while joining volunteer projects part-time. This balance enables her to remain connected to the community without compromising her career. Over time, she can choose how deeply she wants to commit. I hope my explanation and opinion make sense. As I mentioned earlier, if you have a wife or partner, I suggest involving them as well, because the decision could impact the future and life of your daughter. Good luck!

Yours,

Aunt Silvia,