‘Add value to yourselves’

The Lead Pastor of the Cedar Mountain Chapel, Assemblies of God, Rev. Dr Stephen Wengam has called on the 2017 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates to use the period they are awaiting their results to add value to themselves.

He said they could do so by reading through the notes and textbooks of their siblings and friends who are in senior high school (SHS) to familiarise themselves with what to expect when they enter SHS.

In addition, he said they could offer free teaching services at private schools in their communities by assisting kindergarten and primary school pupils with their studies.

“They can identify a creche in the community and go there to offer free services. Through that, you would be developing yourself and learn some practical life lessons,” he added.

Rev. Dr Wengam said the JHS graduates should also use the period to develop their spiritual lives by praying more and reading the Bible with their friends.

“They should get involved in church activities. This will keep them away from trouble because it is said that the devil finds work for idle hands,” he pointed out.

During this period, he said youngsters would more often than not use the computer, the Internet and watch more television, adding that they should be mindful of what they watch on the Internet and on television.

Parents and Internet cafe operators, he said, should put in place measures which would protect young people from falling victim to paedophiles or from watching movies that would not benefit them.

“The Internet and the computer are a two-edged sword. They can be used positively and negatively. If they desire to use any of them, the students should use them positively. They should use these facilities to acquire knowledge but not to seek knowledge that will destroy their future”, he stressed.

He congratulated the candidates and advised them to stay away from all forms of trouble so that they could continue to SHS and beyond.

A former Deputy Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Stephen Adu, who shared in the suggestion of Rev. Dr Wengam, said the graduates need to engage in fruitful activities as they await their results.

The candidates, he said, could take part in games to keep them fit and read a lot of educational materials since they are going to a higher level on the educational ladder.

He advised the graduates to be patient as they wait for their results.

“This is time they can read other educational materials and help their parents at home,” he said, adding that they should attend extra classes if their parents could afford it.