By Tatenda Obrey Mukukuwanda
(The Honourable Child Minister of Defence, Peace and National Security)
Dear parents,
The exams of your children are about to begin. I know you are anxious and hopeful that they will do well. That is natural.
But I plead with you to remember: among the students sitting for these exams, there is an artist who doesn’t need to master mathematics. There is an entrepreneur who will thrive without history or English literature.
There is a drama student whose stage presence matters more than algebra. A fashion designer whose creativity matters more than biology. A chef whose culinary brilliance is worth more than chemistry.
A dancer whose rhythm outweighs mathematics. A graphic designer whose visual art matters more than geography. A music producer whose melodies outlast history.
An architect whose designs are not measured by literature grades. A photographer whose lens tells stories far beyond psychology. A musician whose talent is bigger than their chemistry marks. And yes, an athlete whose fitness surpasses physics.
Your beloved child may be one of these.
If your child scores high marks, that’s wonderful. But if they do not, please don’t take away their confidence or dignity. Do not snatch away the hope that fuels their vision.
Visions are like plants: they grow with hope (water), determination (nutrients), purpose (roots), faith (sunlight), resilience (pruning), and passion (fertilizer).
Academic success is only one part of this ecosystem. We must resist the cult of standardization that equates worth with grades and instead recognize the value of emotional, creative, and social intelligence.
As educators and caregivers, it is our duty to create an environment of encouragement. Children must be taught that failure is not the end but a stepping stone toward growth. Exams should never imprison them within the chains of human estimations or social expectations.
Tell your child: “It’s okay. Exams are not everything. No matter what you score, I love you.”
Remember—your love for your child should always be greater than your love for their grades.
High marks are not the only key to success. Dreams, talents, and passions can lead to greatness too.
One or even several low grades will never erase the gifts your child carries within.
And please, let us stop believing the false notion that only doctors and engineers live happy lives. True success is not measured only in riches or professions, but in happiness, fulfillment, and purpose.
In short:
Yes, exams are important. But they are not everything. Grades are good, but they do not define who a child is—or who they will become.
Einstein once said: “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” Do not let your child become that fish.
Every child is unique—a tapestry of their own talents, passions, and gifts. Let us not force them into the mold of society’s narrow expectations.
Thank you.
The Deputy Chief President of Royal Studio Africa International
NB: This speech blends the inspiration of a Singaporean headteacher’s address with personal reflections from the author.
