29/07/2025
Dear Parents and Caregivers.
It is that time again when children await with anxiety their official exam results. It hurts when we hear stories of children who take their lives because they didn't succeed in an official exam just like the 14 year old Ndzie Eliane who took her life few days back in Yaounde just because she didn't make it in the 2025 BAC exams. May her soul RIP 🙏.
Year in,, year out, this unfortunate issue keeps reoccurring. Some children do this out of pressure while some might be spiritual or drugs but in general, they just may find it difficult handling the post exam trauma and shame. Or some might find life with their parents or close ones a living hell after failing.
As your children await the results of their GCE and other official exams for 2025 session, I implore you to take a moment to counsel and guide them. Even before these exams, your children were loved and cared for, and that remains unchanged regardless of the outcome.
A positive result would be a tremendous boost to their career paths, and for you, the parents, it would bring a sense of relief and encouragement understanding your stress in meeting up their highly demanding educational needs. However, I urge you to remember that life has different paths for everyone. Do not let the jubilation of their successful friends discourage your children if their own results are less than ideal.
Be patient and understanding. Remind them that whatever the outcome, you will be there to support them. Your love and care for them should not be conditional on their exam performance. They should know that you will stand by them, ready to celebrate their successes or offer unwavering support in times of disappointment. Infact, talk to them often about stories of people who failed but were successful in life.
Life is full of ups and downs, and it is important that your children understand this. Assure them that you will be there for them, with open arms and a loving heart. Encourage them to embrace this journey, knowing that your love and acceptance are constant, regardless of the results.
This would make them feel loved and know the failed results if it comes shouldn't push them to anything negative. They have the right to life first before the right to quality education. Committing suīcide because of failed results should not have a chance in our community. Let's together help and prepare them before exams are released. I equally wish them luck. Let's jointly give a red card to post exams suicįde in our community.
Regards
Lekunze Gideon
Youth counselor.
