EXETAT 2023: a psycho-pedagogue gives candidates the secrets for capitalizing on the moment of waiting for results

From June 26 to 29, students in the 4th year of the humanities track (formerly 6th grade) took the State Exam. This certification exam remains a major milestone for all candidates. While for some, this credential is a prerequisite for pursuing a university education, for others, it is a key to entering the workforce. Between these two paths, the waiting period seems long.

To guide young people through this fateful choice, the General Directorate of Communication (DGC-EPST) met with Mr. Fasuka, a distinguished academic advisor, expert in educational matters, and educational psychologist, who shares some insights on how to make the most of this critical moment.

A believer in the saying “idleness is the root of all evil,” this certified school psychologist began by warning young people about the dangers of inactivity, before sharing his advice on how to make the most of the waiting period.

“Don’t sit idly at home under any pretext whatsoever. Doing so invites ignorance and the shame that comes with it,” he said.

The educational psychologist’s advice boils down to healthy reading, visiting libraries or cultural centers, and discussing university majors with parents

Healthy reading keeps the brain active

Healthy reading is this educator’s top recommendation. In his view, young people must get into the habit of reading, which is a driving force behind scientific activity. Indeed, through reading, young people discover knowledge on their own and retain it better because it is the result of their personal efforts. Reading is especially important for those considering a university career. With the adoption of the LMD system (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate), students must complete various assignments in the library outside of the few hours dedicated to lectures given by professors.

In preparation for the fast-paced academic life that awaits them, they can already visit university or municipal libraries such as those in Funa, Kasa Vubu, CEDESURK on Avenue des Huileries, and the Belgian and French Cultural Center.

Prospective university students can also attend informative presentations or panel discussions, which are most often organized by cultural organizations and non-governmental organizations at cultural centers scattered throughout the city of Kinshasa or elsewhere.

A time to seek guidance from parents

As partners in education, parents have an important role to play during this waiting period Parents also play a crucial role in this transition.

All too often, these decisions are left to the discretion of graduating students, who get carried away by “hearsay” and the sometimes negative influences of friends.

As the pillars of education and financial providers, parents must guide their children not only based on their aptitudes and skills, but also according to their means. For while President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi has implemented the constitutional provision on free primary education for the past three years, university remains the responsibility of parents.

Lacking the substantial resources to pursue university studies, parents can send their children to the National Institute of Vocational Training (INPP).

This public institution offers students a variety of practical training programs designed to facilitate and accelerate entry into the workforce within 3 to 6 months. Courses include masonry, electrical work, auto mechanics, hospitality, computer science, video filming and editing, and English…

Entertainment

As a connoisseur, Pierre Fasuka did not overlook entertainment. To that end, he recommended intellectual games to young people, such as Scrabble, which can be enjoyed with family or friends for a few hours or over the weekend. However, they should not make this a way of life, lest they be caught off guard in two weeks by the release of the first results.

Vae victis!

Alain Kinanga