Kumasi: Candidates run to God as BECE kicks off Monday[Photos]

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It’s 13:20 GMT and final year students have gathered at the premises of the Buokrom M/A Basic School.

Located within the Manhyia North Constituency, in the Ashanti Region, the 134 candidates, appear cheerful and filled with joy to bid farewell to their colleagues and teachers as they prepare to write the 2019 edition of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E.) on Monday.

The students who say, they are adequately prepared will not start the program without a word of prayer for divine protection from God.

This is an exam conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) every academic year, to mark the start of a new beginning of entry into the senior high school.

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The Ghana Education Service (GES) early this year revised the date for the writing of this year’s BECE for School Candidates.

It said in a statement that the examination would be written from June 10 to 14, 2019 instead of the previously announced date of June 3 to 7.

The exam will enable candidates to gain admission into the government’s flagship free senior high school policy.

A total of 517,332 final-year junior high school (JHS) students will write this year’s BECE. They comprise 263,616 males and 253,716 females.

Last year, 509,824 candidates took the examination, meaning that there has been an increase of 7,508 candidates.

The 2019 BECE candidates, who are from 16,871 public and private JHSs, will write the examination at 1,880 centres across the country.

The examination, which will be written will be manned by 1,880 supervisors and 18,136 invigilators.

Private candidates had also been given the opportunity to sit for the exams earlier in February.

Like candidates across the country, 16-year-old, Rachel Baidoo, who is writing an external exam for the first time says she is prepared to write the exams and come out with flying colours.

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“I have all the needed materials and I’m fully prepared to write the examination”, Rachel told Dailymailgh.com, adding, “I know it’s not going to be easy but I will sail through”.

Another student said, “We have gone through all the necessary tutorials and our teachers have been helpful so I know I will pass”.

Advice

As the pupils wined and dined at the event, teachers took turns to advise the candidates to abide by the rules and regulations at the exam centre to avoid any sanctions.

“What I will say is that we have done our best. And I am sure the Lord will guide you before, during and after the exams”, a visibly happy Master Richard Boadi, told the candidates.

An assistant headmaster said, “There is nothing to worry about God is in control and you will win”.

Tears of joy

Elated pupils who may never see their teachers and friends after the exam took turns to present items to their teachers as a sign of appreciation.

It was a colourful moment as some elated students were spotted hugging their colleagues amidst tears.

For them, the sky is their starting point.

Source: Daily Mail GH Staff