Mufasa: The Lion King is a picture of life after exams and school

At the end of last year, the Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King came out. I highly recommend it. It’s a story about trial and triumph, fighting and freedom – perhaps providing some much-needed inspiration for many young people who are bemoaning the stress of school. Many have finished their exams and are enjoying the clear skies and clear diaries; yet it will be a couple of weeks before others break up from school. This is the time to remind young people of that ancient wisdom, ‘work hard, play hard!’

Mufasa’s Struggle and ‘Milele’

Huge spoiler alert! The story of Mufasa (the young lion club) starts with pandemonium as Mufasa’s blissful day out with mum and dad is violently and rudely interrupted by a mighty river current that engulfs their landscape and sweeps him down stream. Despite the efforts of both the parents and the young lion cub to be reconciled, the water has other ideas, and Mufasa is carried far away from home, being deposited somewhere in no man’s land. Fortunately for him, he meets a sociable, kind young lion who vouches for him to become part of the pride he belongs to. The rest of the narrative follows Mufasa as he navigates the stress, anxiety and discomfort of being away from home – all the while holding dear the hope of a beautiful, peaceful and adventuristic place his parents always told him about called Milele. In the midst of danger, challenges and fear, the hope of Milele seems to enable Mufasa to endure trying times.

As young people are currently waiting for exam results, as youth workers we’re hearing young people say the following and more:

“That paper cooked me…” – i.e. I don’t think I did well

“I missed out two questions…”

“Exam season was not the one…” – i.e. I didn’t enjoying it.

Painting pictures of my plans in my head helped me to endure the struggle of exams and push through to the end of the year

Of course, we’re delighted when we hear ……