The light at the end of the tunnel continues to flicker, but more dimly for some, it seems.
This time around it is our matrics who are feeling the wrath of 2020.
And it’s obvious that somebody made money from their misery.
I continue to be astounded by some adults who deliberately lead our children astray.
Now our poor matrics, who are already under such a lot of stress, have to rewrite some of their papers.
The phenomenon of compromised matric exam papers has become an annual embarrassment for our education system.
This year, the Maths Paper Two, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences papers have been leaked.
So far, the Hawks have arrested one person, who apparently works for a printing company used by the education department.
I want to say how disappointed I am that an adult was behind the dishonesty of the country’s matrics.
But, then again, nothing surprises me anymore.
When there is moral and financial corruption at the very top, then it comes as no surprise that ordinary citizens would think it’s acceptable.
But it still saddens me to know that the dishonesty is being encouraged to start at such a young age.
And all because an adult was tempted by greed.
As with most other things, the few who were dishonest have caused havoc in the lives of the majority who toe the line.
All of them are now forced to rewrite two of these papers in the next two weeks.
I can just imagine how knowing that must infuriate them right now, especially since this has already been such a tough year for them.
But speaking to them directly now, let me say this.
For those of you who studied hard and were not tempted to crib, you will undoubtedly again do well in these two papers.
While your lives have been negatively affected by the dishonesty of others, you were and continue to be well prepared for the exams.
Needless to say, this is not fair, but see it as a taste of the real world. Sadly, there will be times when you will end up bearing the brunt of consequences that have nothing to do with your actions.
Morally, you will benefit more from an honest C-average, than you will from a dishonest B-plus.
Your conscience will never leave you in peace. All the best for the rewrites.
May the papers be filled with everything you revised the night before!