The sky’s the limit

September 16, 2016, http://guyanachronicle.com/the-skys-the-limit/

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on students to be disciplined in behaviour, to focus their attention on doing well in school, and to set their sights on acquiring higher education. Addressing a large gathering of students and stakeholders at a grand Education Month Rally, which started at the Stabroek Market and ended at Durban Park on Friday, the President, in his thoughtful presentation, designated September 9 as National School Day, and urged students to guard themselves against ignorance, while imploring parents to be good role models for their children.

Students of the St Margaret’s Primary school during the rally yesterday in observance of Education Month. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

Calling on male students to respect their female counterparts, President Granger told the gathering that every child in the school system matters, and all have an equal right to a full education. He noted that education is a public good, and religious institutions and communities also have a role to play in the education of children.

On the Government’s part, he said, efforts are being made to ensure every school is equipped with the necessary teaching materials, and an environment conducive to learning is created.

Repairs are being made to schools built years ago to have them accommodate gyms, dining halls, science labs, and assembly rooms with stage areas. The President said Government is providing better schools with the express desire to see better teachers and a clean and green school environment.

October 1 has been designated National Tree Planting Day, in promotion of a greener environment.

On assumption to office, President Granger introduced the Bicycles, Boats and Buses Programme (3Bs) geared at getting more students in far-flung communities to attend school.

On Friday, he said no child should have to paddle miles in a river to get to school. He pointed out that under his administration, speed boats were provided for children in deep riverine areas.

He thus appealed to students to take their education seriously by making an effort to attend school regularly, to always be on time, and to focus on getting high grades.

Despite the efforts to keep students in school, it has not been smooth sailing. President Granger was saddened by the number of school drop-out as well as the number of pupils who did not do well at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.

Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who also addressed the gathering, said the needs of the child in a learning environment varies, and called on teachers to pay attention to all their charges. He advised teachers to nurture them to get the best out of them.

He said children who are seen as empty vessels must not be left behind, but all have a role to fill them up to capacity.

The minister also noted that the work of teachers needs to be rewarded more, since they play a vital role in producing citizens who are the future builders and leaders of Guyana. But he called on teachers to instill discipline in their students in more humane ways, as he condemned corporal punishment. Disciplining the child, he said, should not cause that child to be distracted from the real task of learning.

Acting Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson, in a brief presentation, urged parents to invest in their children’s education, and called on stakeholders to join the Education Ministry in building a stronger school system.

The event at Durban Park featured steel band renditions, songs, and physical display. It was well attended by students drawn from schools across the country.