FBO supports learners in prayer ahead of final exams

As Grade 12 learners prepare for the 2022 National Senior Certificate Examination, Faith Based Organizations (FBO) and Back to School Movement (BSM) arranged a prayer session for matriculants at Jabulane Dumane Community, on October 8.

Matric learners will start writing their final exam on October 31 and conclude on December 7.

Event organiser and FBO member Mzondile Langa explained the event aimed to support learners through prayer as the clock counts down to their examination dates.

It was attended by Ward 47 Clr Thandi Nkosi, Bishop Zeb Thomo and Apostle Xolani Ngwenya of Wonderful God Ministries from Soweto, Archbishop Sipho Ntuli of Full Gospel Church in Zion and Bishop Themba Sikhakhane of St Jacobs Saviours Church of Christ.

Also present were Reverend Reginald Mzondeki of St Jacobs Saviours Church of Christ, Bishop Johannes Mathebula of Full Gospel Church in Zion, psychology graduate Nomawethu Mthati and Thembi Mtshali.

Langa said BSM is concerned about the learners because satan has penetrated schools and they are trying to restore education to the state they know.

“These days around 08:30 to 09:00 learners are still on the streets in the township. Drugs are accessible in schools and there are bullying issues,” said Langa.

“We are trying our best to restore the situation in schools. Today the aim is to pray for learners because we know that satan gets busy with them during this time.

“They also get influences from outside and end up losing their concentration and we know that sicknesses arise around this time. We pray to God to be with them to succeed as they start their exams.”

Deputy principal at Realeboha Primary School Nonthandazo Maseko said the event is helpful because she is also coming from a Christian religious background.

“I know that spirits do exist and sometimes our children are destroyed by them. A prayer can protect people without them knowing and through today’s prayer these learners will be covered,” said Maseko.

She encouraged learners to start focusing on their studies as she explained that exams are not the right time to go through the night.

“The problem with our learners is that they like waiting for the eleventh hour before they start studying. If they can give themselves time, they will succeed. The education they are receiving is different from ours. They have many open doors but they do not use them.

“For example, look at Google, it does not care whether there are educated people or not at your home as long you have access you have all the answers to your questions,” said Maseko.

She further advised learners to use study methods that work best for them and choose their study buddies wisely.
“Studying is different for everyone but what I learnt from an early age is that you cannot do everything alone, as people are who they are because of other people.

“It does not matter how smart you are, you will not know everything. Group work helps, but the problem is you need to choose the right company because when you choose the wrong one, you might end up not studying.”

The event saw a low turnout from learners of various schools due to broken communication between organisers and schools.

Kathrous MAIL spoke to Lethabo Mphuthi (19) from Thuto-Lesedi. He said he is studying mathematical literacy, business studies, religion and hospitality.

He said the prayer session makes him feel relieved because they go through a lot as matriculants.

“We have to balance our school work and social life. So far, I think I am managing because I did well in the previous terms,” said Mphuthi.

Another learner from Thuto-Lesedi Gift Ntuli (19) shared the same sentiments as he noted that the event will boost them.

“I think the motivation and advice from elderlies and pastors is a boost to keep us motivated throughout our examination period,” said Ntuli.

Sphesihle Khambule (17) from Vosloorus Comprehensive Secondary School said the event is very helpful because they know that there are spirits in schools and the community.

“We are fighting bad spirits and this prayer session will help us to have renewed energy going into our final exams,” said Khambule.