Spent the day today talking with several secondary students before they head back to school next week. Those who did well were congratulated, those who did so-so were encouraged to do better and those who did poorly were warned…2 terms in a row with D+ or below average stops their school fees being paid by Saved By God’s Grace. This last one is a policy recently implemented partially because we’ve seen students relax in their studies because their fees are being paid so why put in the effort. We are hoping this will motivate them.
It’s something that needs to be done but hearing what some of these kids are going through can make one wonder…
- students striking against a rule of being kicked out of school if your shirt is untucked
- dodging stones thrown by students vandalizing the school
- teachers not teaching
- text books not available
- parents/guardians who are ill or aged and unable to support the family
- deciding which fights to fight (in regards to shirts untucked or teachers abilities)
- who’s a friend and who’s not
I told the kids not to worry about issues they can’t control, but I also told them how easy it is for me to say this and another thing for them to put it into practice. I encouraged them to pray and ask God for peace and assured them we were praying for them too. I’m looking forward to a better Term 2 for most of them, please keep these teens in your prayers as they continue their secondary education.