Hope is the most powerful armour for school leavers
Once you set a goal, it is easier to achieve it.
While last year’s matriculants ended a journey, it’s just the beginning of a new adventure, said St Martin’s School headmaster, Warren Venter. He said hope is the most powerful armour students must be equipped with.
“We face a very uncertain world,” said Venter, “and the underlying fear of joblessness in a country where almost 40% of the population is unemployed, and nearly half of the nation is under 35, can spell confidence disaster for any school leaver.”
This year, St Martin’s expects to list several top achievers on the national results hit parade.
“Academic achievement is key to gaining university entrance, to position yourself firmly in the starting blocks for the rest of your life,” said Venter.
But he added that diminishing prospects because of the current local and global climate may dampen anyone’s spirit.
“Yet, what SA needs more than anything is a new generation of leaders, of business people who can contribute positively to economic growth that can help heal our country in the many places it has become unfastened,” he noted.
“Hope and sharing ideals, resilience, strength or resolve with the youth is vital. This year’s poll, the before and aftermath, the potential of SA amid its challenges must be distilled and instilled.
“It is our responsibility as educators and parents to remain positive to engender a measure of idealism and dreams for the future. This is how we can ignite our youth because, after school, there is a long road ahead in adulthood, and it should be a journey they embark on with enthusiasm,” he said.
“Hope inspires students to set goals and work towards achieving them, even in the face of challenges. It nurtures a positive outlook essential for mental and emotional well-being. This positive mindset enables school leavers to navigate uncertainties and seize opportunities, contributing to personal growth and success.
“Hope is a driving force that encourages continuous learning and adaptability, key attributes in a rapidly evolving world,” said Venter.
He said to nurture hope in children, it is crucial teachers and parents encourage realistic goal-setting and collaborate in establishing meaningful objectives.
“We must help students cope with setbacks, promote a positive outlook and support their interests and passions. After all, we are role models and demonstrating hope in our own lives allows us to lead by example,” he said.
