Pupils urged against exam pressure, suicide
Education officials have urged pupils not to let “disappointing” examination results define their future, warning that academic setbacks are not the end of their educational journey.
The call comes amid reported cases of some pupils dying by suicide after receiving their examination results.
The latest was reported in January when a Grade 12 pupil at St George’s Diocesan School took her life after reportedly failing an examination.
Education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp urges pupils not to let fear or the performance of others distract them from what they had prepared.
“I recognise this period carries great expectations. You have spent months preparing, learning, revising and overcoming challenges.
For some, the journey may have been difficult, with moments of uncertainty, anxiety and self-doubt.
Your efforts matter,” she says.
She says examinations are important milestones, but pupils should not lose faith in their ability to learn and grow.
In 2023, the education ministry revealed that 37 teachers and pupils died by suicide in 2022, while 13 pupils took their own lives in 2021.
Kavango East deputy education director Asser Kandere advises pupils to focus, seek support when overwhelmed and to remember that poor results do not define their future.
He urges pupils not to take their lives over exam results, adding that there is always room for improvement.
“When your result is not satisfactory, you can do better next time.
That is why we have a part-time centre for improvement,” he says.
He warns pupils against cheating and to respect invigilators, teachers and fellow pupils.
He advises them to remain calm and avoid bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
Recent statistics from the Khomas Suicide Prevention Task Force show that 370 suicide cases were recorded between January 2021 and June 2026. Of these, 308 involved men and 60 involved women.
The figures show that 2022 had the highest number of cases at 85, followed by 69 in 2023 and 67 in 2021.
The cases reportedly dropped to 55 in 2024 before increasing to 57 last year.
Counsellors link suicide to unemployment, alcohol abuse, and limited access to mental health services.
The World Health Organisation says 73% of suicide deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, with unemployment, social pressures, and mental health challenges among the contributing factors.
Task force chairperson Tuhafeni Talia urges families and friends to pay attention when people withdraw from social activities or lose interest in things they previously enjoyed.
She urges people to check on loved ones and help them seek professional support.
Clinical psychologist Ayesha Wentworth says examination results should not define a pupil’s worth or determine how far they can go in life, but should instead show where they are in their learning journey.
“Examinations test what you have learned and know at a specific period in time. Whether good or disappointing, it is information, not identity,” she says.
She urges pupils to do their best and accept their results without allowing them to close doors to future opportunities.
“Your life is precious, and there is always a second chance.
“Walk into that examination room with your head held high, not because you are certain of the answers, but because you are certain of your worth. We believe in you,” Wentworth says.
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