WAEC Mathematics 2019 Objective — Question 84

Explanation

THE CHALLENGES OF PREFECTSHIP: A SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE HEADBOY The Principal, Vice-principal, Teachers, Parents, my fellow outgoing Prefects and every student of Latter Glory College here present. I count it a privilege standing before you all on this memorable send-off ceremony and giving a speech on the challenges of prefectship. My experience, as the Head Boy, has taught me that prefectship is a clarion call to serve. My fellow outgoing prefects can attest that on many occasions either an individual or as a group we have sacrificed time, energy and even resources to get students organized and get things done in the right way. Enthusiastic in-coming prefects must understand that beyond the title and euphoria of being called prefects, lies real work, challenges, responsibility, sacrifice and leadership, requires commitments and determination to organize humans. And students, I must say, are very difficult to lead. Yet at prefects, you have responsibility to balance the expectations from both the school authorities and the students. Many times, we have left our personal studies to attend to complaints, issues and fight among students, especially cases of bullying and harassment. Many students hardly comply with school rules, and you, as prefects, have to find a way of making them do so in the most civil way. For instance, roaming while classes are ongoing is common among senior students, as prefects, you must ensure this indiscipline should not be tolerated, even if the student is your friend or classmate. Also, I need to say that many challenges are unforeseen and unexpected; prefects must be pro-active to manage conflicts before it degenerates boldly. One way to do this is by timely reporting to teachers or school authorities. Besides, some challenges require that you learn safety and first-aid tips. I'm sure the Health Prefect, Debora Miracle, can recall the day a junior student collapsed while all teachers were at a compulsory meeting at the school Hall. You all know how far the Hall is to the Junior Block A. The Health Prefect and I dashed to the scene. Immediately we forced her mouth open, and put a spoon across her teeth to prevent her teeth gnashing. We then applied other safety tips to resuscitate the girl. Afterwards, she was taken to the clinic. God forbid what would have happened if we hadn't provided that timely intervention. You therefore need to be prepared for service always and be ready to solve problems because challenges will come your way unexpectedly. I will like to end my speech by thanking the school authorities for giving us the privilege to serve and learn through the challenges that came our way. The leadership lessons we have learnt will be useful to us in life. To the next set of prefects, I pray you receive the enablement to perform better than we did, and do the school proud. Thank you for listening.