“Slide 17, I’m Crying”: Learners’ Letters to God Spark Emotional Reactions Across South Africa

• A teacher's classroom activity has touched the hearts of many South Africans, as learners shared their heartfelt letters to God, revealing their thoughts, struggles, and gratitude
• The letters, written by pupils of a young age, showcase their raw honesty and innocence as they express their feelings and prayers to God
• The initiative has sparked conversations about the importance of giving learners safe spaces to express their emotional feelings and thoughts, highlighting the value of self-expression and emotional openness

A heartwarming classroom activity has left many South Africans emotional after a teacher shared a touching video showcasing letters her learners wrote to God.

The short clip, posted on social media, has quickly gained attention for its raw honesty and innocence.

Teacher showcased pupils' letters to God

In the video, the teacher revealed to her viewers how she asked her pupils to write a message to God about the challenges that they may be facing. Taking to her TikTok handle @phila_mafaku, where she unveiled each handwritten note, each one containing a personal message addressed to God.

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The letters varied in tone, some filled with gratitude, others with requests for guidance, and a few with heart-wrenching pleas for help.

One learner expressed the following:

"I don't know what's happening with me, and I feel like my life is a mess, and I hate the things I did for boys. I think life is not for me."

Another one added:

"God, I say thank you for keeping me in the darkness and putting us in the light. Do that for other people that you love. Amen."

While another pupil simply appreciated the goodness of the Lord by saying:

"God, I am here today because of you. You are the reason why I woke up today, and I am thankful for that. Please, God be with me in good and bad times. I will always love you now and forever in Jesus' name. I pray. Amen."

Others thanked for family and good health, while another asked for protection over loved ones. Several messages revealed the challenges young people face, with some praying for peace at home or strength to overcome difficult situations. The simple yet powerful words reflected a deep sincerity that resonated with viewers.

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Social media users were quick to share their reactions, with many praising the teacher for encouraging self-expression and emotional openness among the children.

The teacher’s initiative has sparked conversations about the importance of giving learners safe spaces to express their feelings, whether through writing, art, or open dialogue.

As the video continues to circulate online since it was released on 6 August 2025, many are calling it a reminder of the unfiltered honesty of children and the power of small acts to touch hearts. For the learners, it was a chance to put their thoughts into words; for those who read them, it became an emotional glimpse into young minds and their hopes, struggles, and dreams.

Watch the touching clip below:

SA is in awe of the learners' prayer request

The online community was moved by the pupils' prayer requests as they took to the comments section to share their thoughts.

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Asanda Fiyo said:

"Slide 17, I’m crying."

Lerato Mathe added:

"You can tell which kids come from prayerful families here."

Hope shared:

"No one is talking about slide 6."

Lethopeace expressed:

"That second one."

Kat Su Hyung commented:

"Gosh, how old are they?"

3 Other amazing teachers in South Africa

• Educators often get their flowers on the socials, and Briefly News reported on a teacher whose approach to misbehaviour in her class was an expertise.
• Two teachers went the extra mile to care for their students even beyond school by helping them clean up.
• A primary school teacher felt she needed to step in after seeing some of her students' living conditions.

Source: Briefly News