May not make it to secondary school

Dear Friend,
Thank you for sharing your concern with Lifeline. What you are going through is anxiety faced every year by every Grade 10, 12 and university graduates and those coming out of the colleges and institutions through out our country.
It is normal to feel the way you do, because of the thought of the limited spaces in the higher grades and institutions. It is true that not all students will secure a place in the higher institutions because of the number of schools and spaces available which is quite limited. We acknowledge how you feel because of this situation. Let us assure you that we do receive many similar letters from many students through out the country.
We believe that, been aware of the thought of the limited places available, will help you to be in a preparatory mode rather than the reality taking you by surprise. Although there are limited number of spaces available, that does not mean that, it is end for those who do not get a space. There are other means to further your education, for example, you can do Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) or upgrade your marks in institutions that allow students to upgrade.
You can make enquiries at your nearest Education offices or FODE centres for more information. There are also technical and vocational centres which you can also pursue.
Many teenagers are on the street doing the wrong things, because they choose to do what they do. Any one who is serious about a good future needs to make every effort to achieve good things in life. Nothing is free in this world, every one has to do something to be part of our own communities.
Look at people around you, they have become what they are, because of choices they made in life. You will see some doing well in life and others not doing well. What ever we choose in life will determine what sort of future we will have either good or not so good, healthy or unhealthy, righteous or unrighteous. The boys in your street made the choice to be lazy and be involved in wrong activities rather than hoping and looking for other means as stated earlier. Their parents or guardians did not tell them to be lazy, start drinking alcohol, make home brew or get involve in stealing,  It is a choice they made that has brought them this far. They could have chosen the other way and that way is not easy but they chose the easy way out.
You can make a decision as you await for your results to choose not to be a failure or not to give up and strive in your mind to do something positive no matter the result may be. The young people may blame their parents, guardians and maybe the teachers or education system but they do not take responsible of their part. Sometimes they don’t study or take schooling seriously till they find out that it is too late when they find out they do not have a space in the next level of education or institution.
We also acknowledge that there are also children pushed out of their education due to parental lack of attention and responsibilities for the welfare of their own children. We also would like to encourage those in this category not to give up but take note of the guidance given here. There are organisations around to help you talk about your problems and also churches who offer help too.
We thank you for bringing your concern to us so you can have some guidelines to help you make quality choices for your future. It is your future and the choices you make determine what future you will have. We suggest you talk to your parents or guardians and trusted friends about what is bothering you.
If you belong to a church we encourage you to join the youth group for further spiritual help and activities that can add value to your life and future. Why not put your trust in God even more today because His plan for you is to prosper in life because that’s what his word in Jeremiah 29 verse 11 says. We encourage you to take this challenge as a stepping stone as you make a choice for your future.
May God give you wisdom in decisions.

Your friend
Lifeline