PHOTO CAPTION: Hankey Secondary matrics (back from left) Nompumezo Mathole, Simthandile Sibali, Pumela Noqholi, Ntombebhongo Mandiphantsi, Xoliswa Mabele and Lindelwa Mange receive their pens from Kouga Speaker Magdalene Dlomo (front, second left) and church leaders Sidwell Williams, Hendrick Pillay and Solly Nelson.
LOCAL leaders took hands last week in a united show of support for Kouga matriculants who start their final school exams this week.
Two prayer sessions were hosted by Kouga Municipality at Humansdorp and Hankey. The sessions, attended by matriculants and their parents from across the region, were led by government and church leaders.
Kouga Speaker Magdalene Dlomo said the purpose of the sessions was to reassure matriculants that Kouga’s people would stand behind them during this important time in their school careers.
“When you walk into the exam room, we want you to know that you are not alone,” she said. “We want you to walk into that room with confidence, secure in the knowledge that you can trust in God and that we your community and leaders – are there to support you.”
Each matriculant received a special pen, engraved “Kouga Matric 2014”, so that they would be reminded of this support in the exam room.
The Speaker encouraged matriculants to be positive about their final school exams.
“You have been preparing for this moment for 12 years. It hasn’t always been easy, but you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t ready. Have faith that you can make it through this last big test and embrace the future you want for yourself.”
Leaders from various sectors, including the religious and education fraternities, prayed and delivered messages of support to the hundreds of matriculants at the sessions.
A special request was made to parents and caregivers to take special care of their matric charges over the next few weeks.
“If they have to work late, stay up with them for a while or surprise them with a cup of tea or coffee. Show them that you are interested in what they are doing even though you might not always understand the content,” urged Education Department Subject Advisor Yoliswa Mgobo.
