It’s barely 5 weeks to the start of the season of reckoning for 900 000 registered Matric candidates across the country, but exam fever stress is already having concerning effects on many of the Grade 12s. Academic pressure impacts all, but it is often increased by material circumstances. Township matriculants are particularly vulnerable. Many homes do not have quiet spaces for the intensive study needed. Dependable electricity to keep the midnight oil burning is not a given, Food insecurity is another debilitating factor for many tackling the critical exit examination time.
A number of the learners at Amaoti No 3 Secondary School, where The Domino Foundation has a presence through its Life Skills programme, have been showing concerning levels of anxiety with some expressing suicidal thoughts. Three social workers who are part of the NPO volunteered to run a support/debriefing session to help the school’s 172 matriculants explore the factors or stressors possibly affecting their study and exam performance focus. Among the tools the learners were taught to manage exam pressure were the Triple P's. One of the social workers, Thembelihle Mkhwanazi, explained how the “Plan, Prioritize and Pace” approach to demanding situations can make the difference between learners realising their dreams and missing the mark. “They were also taught grounding techniques to calm intimidating internal thoughts.” She described how the students were challenged to shift their perspective and to get to grips with their motivation over the next few months.
During the workshop, some students were very vulnerable about the precarious nature of where they find themselves in the run-up to the start of the exams on 13 October. Together with the Life Skills team, the social workers have planned a WhatsApp group to ensure ongoing support and care for learners needing help. “The expectations that these young people must bear are huge. We are committed to assist where we can,” Thembelihle added.
