Communication Problems and How to Solve Them

1"Did you hear?"

One morning a message races around Mutesi's class on a borrowed phone: "School is closed tomorrow!" Some pupils cheer. But Mutesi asks the head teacher, who says it is not true. Someone made it up. "Always check before you believe and before you share," says the head teacher.

2Difficulties with communication in our district

• Poor network: in some hilly or far-away places, phones and radios get a weak signal.
• No electricity to charge phones or power radios and televisions.
• High costs of phones, airtime and internet bundles.
• Language barriers: people who do not share a language find it hard to understand each other.
• People who cannot read or write cannot use letters, SMS or newspapers.
• People who are deaf or blind may not get messages unless there is sign language, braille or audio.
• Noise, broken phones and slow post can also block messages.

3Dangers of communication

• Fake news and rumours: false messages spread very fast and can frighten or divide people.
• Strangers online may pretend to be friends and ask for personal information, photos or a meeting.
• Cyberbullying: sending hurtful or mocking messages to someone.
• Scams: messages like "You have won a prize! Send money to receive it."
• Too much screen time can take time away from sleep, homework, play and family.

4How to overcome these difficulties and dangers

Try it yourself