NGSA 2021: Regional breakdown of top students

NGSA top student Nirvana Wimal aspires to be a teacher to help others excel

By: Amar Persaud

Nirvana Wimal

Having made history as the top National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) student this year, Nirvana Wimal plans to become a teacher so that she can help the younger generation similarly excel in their studies.

Nirvana, of the Success Elementary School, gained an impressive 524 marks at the NGSA which were held on August 4 and 5. She earned a place at Queen’s College.

Speaking with reporters following the official announcement of NGSA results today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Nirvana said one of her dreams in life is to become a teacher.

“I want to be a teacher when I grow up because I can share the knowledge that my teachers taught me to everyone else,” the young lady expressed.

Being this year’s top student was a welcoming surprise for Nirvana, and she feels extremely honoured to be a role-model for other students.

According to the student, her success can be attributed to hard work and a good support system.

“I had many sleepless nights, after school, I would do lessons and then homework and then I would study my work at night, and then got to bed around 12, I also took extra lessons on Saturdays and Sundays,” she explained.

“I didn’t expect to do this well because I know in class there are children who do better than me…but I feel very happy and glad that all my hard work paid off,” she added.

Commenting on the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and her adjustment to the new way of learning through digital means, Nirvana admitted that the journey was tough.

“It was very hard because we didn’t get to go out a lot. Normally, we would get to on trips a lot…also because you didn’t get to go to real school and you get distracted at [home],” she explained.

As she embarks on her secondary school life, Nirvana said she intends to continue studying hard.

“Definitely more work and education so that I can increase my level of knowledge,” she expressed.

Tying at second place at this year’s NGSA were Deja Datt and Paris Timmerman with 523 marks.

A dream come true for NGSA top performer Deja Datt

By: Amar Persaud

Deja Datt

Tying at second place at this year’s NGSA were Deja Datt and Paris Timmerman with 523 marks.

Deja, who attended the New Guyana School and earned a spot at Queen’s College, admitted that she was not expecting to do this well and feels lucky to be among the country’s top performers.

“I was shocked I started crying in my seat, I’m really happy. I must say it wasn’t only me working and I must give thanks to God for there are number of things that could have gone wrong and he prevented all of it…I’d also like to thank my mother, she has spent countless nights with me studying…I’d like to thank everyone else who cheered me on,” the young lady expressed.

Speaking with journalists, Deja explained that it was always her dream to be in the NGSA’s Top Ten.

“I actually started (studying) from since last year, as it has always been my dream to be in the Top Ten, whether just for the region or for the entire nation, just to experience this today and realise how far I’ve come, it has really been a big stepping stone in my life and I couldn’t be happier,” she said.

Deja also noted that she has not decided on what occupation she wants to pursue but she indicated that her goal is to continue to work hard in secondary school.

She also provided an inspiring message to the upcoming batch of NGSA students.

“For the children who are writing NGSA next year, it comes with a lot of struggles, sacrifice and even tears. You do have to put in hard work and effort, and you will get great rewards,” Deja expressed.

“I didn’t think I was smart enough” – NGSA top performer says self-confidence now boosted

By: Amar Persaud

Paris Timmerman

Tying at second place at this year’s NGSA were Deja Datt and Paris Timmerman with 523 marks.

Paris, who attended the Chateau Margot Primary School, said she wants to become an accountant. She told reporters that she never imagined being among the top performers of the country.

“I didn’t expect I would get this, I worked very hard but I didn’t think that I was that smart enough, but surprisingly I got this…now I’m getting more confident,” Paris said.

The young lady explained that the materials provided by the Ministry of Education greatly assisted her in her studies.

“I also utilised the Ministry of Education’s platforms like Quiz me, WizKids and The Guyana Learning Channel and they all played an instrumental role in my studying,” she noted.

Paris also advised the next NGSA candidates to ensure they focus on their studies.

“Work very hard at studying and put down the phones for now, because you’ve got one opportunity to do this and put your best foot into it, have no regrets,” Paris said.

Congrats to these  youngsters

@Vish M posted:

Congrats to these  youngsters

What happened to Presidents college. How come no one chose there.