YES, it is that time of the year again. The time that our matriculants are most looking forward to (sometimes the parents more so than their children), a memorable time.
The merits and demerits of having the matric farewell either early or late in the year are debatable. However, it does not really matter at what time of the year the function is held, the expenses and everything else which go with it remain the same.
It is becoming an increasingly costly exercise, not only for the parents, but even the extended families. "After Parties” are the bane of our existence.
Why have a party after what could be the biggest celebration of the year?
We should not allow all the hype to detract from the fact that passing matric, and not having the most unusual or expensive designer outfit, is the apex of a child’s schooling career. For many of them, it will be their highest academic achievement. For others, a stepping stone to a promising future.
Peer pressure, expectations of friends, neighbours and family often result in parents making costly sacrifices.
For many of our high schools, the matric farewell has become a challenge we cannot wish away and should not. Like all challenges it should be met head-on.
Sanity will prevail, eventually!
