LETTERS 11
PEOPLE'S POST | GRASSY PARK Tuesday, 29 October 2019
OPINION EDITORIAL
HELP SAVE THE RHINO: South Africans are urged to support the conservation of Rhinos to ensure that generations to come don’t have to only see them in photos and books. Among other support initiatives, people can purchase a Relate bracelet from participating retailers. A portion of the money goes towards the Endangered Wildlife Trust Rhino Project. The trust helps fund several essential conservation activities such as the deployment of equipment, skilled field staff, anti-poaching and sniffer dogs, a rapid response platform for rhino orphans, and end-user awareness campaigns, to ensure the survival of this iconic animal.
Managing exam stress F
or learners and students, not to mention their parents, examination time is usually accompanied by anxiety and stress. Whilst some stress can be beneficial in creating motivation and focus, unmanaged or high levels of stress can be counterproductive and potentially affect one’s mental well-being. “Stress around exam time often stems not only from the work to be learned and the actual taking of the exam, but also from uncertainties about the results and possible consequences thereof,” says Megan Hosking, a social worker and psychiatric intake clinician at Akeso psychiatric hospitals. Each year there are tragic reports of learners taking their own lives around or after exam time, perhaps triggered by fear of failure or disappointing results. “It is devastating to think of young people feeling so pressured that they cannot see any future for themselves,” she reflects. “Our message to anyone who feels as though stress, including exam stress, is getting the better of them, is that your well-being is the most important aspect to focus on. If you find that you are struggling to cope, help is available.” Hosking gives the following tips for managing exam stress: Start preparing early and make time for relaxation According to Hosking, preparation is key to managing exam stress. “Allowing sufficient time to prepare for the exams by starting to study well in advance can be helpful as it minimises time pressures, which often add to the other stress factors around this time,” Hosking notes. “There are many approaches to studying for exams, and it may take some time to identify which study method suits you best. Once you have found an effective study method, stick to it and put in the time required to cover all the necessary material.” It is equally important to allow adequate time for rest and relaxation in the run-up to exams. “Making time for enjoyable activities can help you to maintain a healthier perspective. Plan your time to allow for much-needed breaks, as this will help to ensure that the time spent studying is optimised.” She says that physical activity, whether a walk outside, yoga, time in the gym, or some other form of exercise, can be extremely helpful for relieving stress. Final exam preparations “Going through past exam papers or practice papers can help identify any gaps in your knowledge and understanding of a subject, and can help manage pre-exam nerves,” she adds. “In the days leading up to the exam, make sure you know the exam times, venues, procedures and requirements, and plan so that you will arrive well before the start time to avoid unnecessary worry. Check which items you are permitted to take with you into the exam room.” It can be distressing for parents and caregivers to see their children going through the stress associated with exams. “Common signs of stress and anxiety include irritability, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite and complaints about headaches, stomach aches or other physical pains. Children may also report difficulty concentrating or you may notice mood changes in your child. “Support your child year round in their studies, encouraging them to do regular revision and to stay up to date with their work. Leading up to test or exam time, you can also help by having discussions with your child about how they are feeling, reminding them to take breaks from studying, and providing supportive advice. “However, if stress persists, or feels unmanageable every time you are faced with tests, exams or deadlines, it is recommended that you consult a professional, such as a psychologist, to assist with developing coping mechanisms, time management skills and building resilience.”
LETTERS
Children need to be healthy To stay competitive in the modern world, today’s youth need to have a good education. It makes me sad that there are still children who have to walk more than 10 kilometres to and from school. Because these kids arrive at school tired and without having had breakfast, they find it difficult to concentrate in class. After school, they must do household chores, which prevent them from doing their homework. It is parents’ and government’s responsibility to ensure that every child in the country has transport to and from schools, and food to eat. As the saying goes: “A healthy mind comes from within a healthy body.” MPENDULO NCUBEKAZI, Email
Why not use drones to fight the country’s crime problem? I was watching an international news channel on riots, and while watching this I saw what I thought was seagulls swooping above the rioting crowds, but on closer inspection, I realised it was drones. While still watching, my memory went back to a wedding my wife and I attended in Table View a few months ago, when the official wedding photographer was taking pictures using a drone with a camera attached. Now being a retired police officer and with violent protests taking place, gunfights in our suburbs and farm attacks, illegal poaching in and around our coastline, road users terrorising other road users, attacks on local and foreign tourists on hiking trails and local security companies protecting properties and reacting to alarms, I am wondering why our police, law enforcement, rangers and traffic officials, and neighbourhood watches are not being issued with the drones. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other legal experts must be approached to investigate the legality of using drones in crime prevention and crime-fighting initiatives. I got so excited when I was compiling this article as I could only see massive benefits from the use of drones. This also has some financial benefits. Officers can use fewer helicopters. I believe even a loudspeaker can also be attached to the drones in crime prevention or crowd control. An eye in the sky sees all. KEITH BLAKE, Ottery
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Road works wreak havoc I am happy that there is work being done to improve our roads, but, it causes a major delay. Sometimes I wonder why it all takes so long and if it is wise to be undertaking projects at this time of the year. The roads are busier as the sun comes out. Is there not a better time to do this? I read the article on the mayor’s new pothole project (“Services go back to basics”, People’s Post 22 October) and I agree with Dawood Jacobs that there are way more road issues that need to be addressed. We cannot log calls for every single pothole and watch them fix one
and leave another one. But what I want to know even more now is if they plan to take nine years to fix potholes as well, or if this is a one day job. Because if it is a day job, or even better an hour job, then why are the potholes in our streets for years? The council says they spent millions fixing potholes last year, but show me where, because the countless ones I see have become part of our community, that is how long it has been around. No number of reports has changed that yet. PETER DAVIS, Eastridge