THE MUCH ANTICIPATED CPEA exams came with all the anxiety parents cause their children, and the usual saturation coverage by the media-including with cameras in tow and getting the sentiments of parents waiting outside the examination centers. Time flies when one is having fun, but when one is over- anxious it might seem that time is an eternity.
This past weekend the anxiety heightened as news broke on Friday that the results were received; but the majority of students had to wait until Monday, June 22, 2026 to know what they had done, and begin their celebrations. Who passed for which school? How did one prepare? What would you love to be? A bit too much pressure you may say for a 12 year old! though there are the few who already have their sights firmly set on a possible career path.
But the pressures are not the same for all contenders. There are those who, depending on their circumstances may be rewarded with a flight to some distant theme park. There will be a shopping spree thrown in as a matter of course.These would be guaranteed a placement in the secondary school of choice; and their results would have ensured this.
Then there are some who silently, secretly, must been looking on bewildered. Which one of the ‘other’ institutions would I be sent to? Would my parents be able to afford the costs of transportation, supplies and uniforms? Worst yet there are those who may be wondering if their single mother would be able to convince the absent father to assist her. This, unfortunately still occurs despite the former administration’s move towards universal secondary education.
Such is the reality of inequalities still existent in our underdeveloped young nation.They are challenges we must face together and seek to overcome as one people.
But today we congratulate the efforts of the young students who, amidst the many distractions around, stayed focused and put in the work and are now being rightly rewarded.
