Dear Editor,
On July 1st, I had the opportunity to attend the Green Acres School Class of 2016 graduation which was held at the National Cultural Centre at 10 am. This was my first visit with my wife to the Cultural Centre since it was built, and we arrived with my grand-daughter Danielle Eresa Khan, who was one of the 50 graduands. The morning exercise, began in a way which was well organized and was the best I have ever seen with sheer colour and creativity, and included balloons displayed across the beautiful stage. I was deeply touched by the sincere way in which little Jaden De Vieira introduced my son Raul Khan as the chairperson for the day’s proceedings.
The programme began with the procession of the graduands onto the stage, followed by a prayer from Pastor Steve Mootooveren. Then followed the welcome by Michael Watson with everyone reciting the national pledge and the students giving the school pledge and singing the school song. A poem was recited by Ruth Kissoon then a choir sang. Ms Samantha Williams who was the guest speaker gave a very inspiring speech, and told the graduands that it was never easy, but that you dared not give up, because if you did, you would never be any closer to your dreams.
What amazed me is when she told the gathering of parents that it was sad in this day and age that some children could not even spell their names when they left school, and they ended up in crime because the education system had failed them. Some could not obtain jobs or higher training when they left school. Dr Astell Collins, was then introduced as a leadership ambassador, transforming followers into leaders, and leaders into agents of change. He is a youth advisor at PANCAP-Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS; a global representative at the Interfaith Peace Building Initiative and Chairman of the Board of Habitat for Humanity Guyana Inc. Dr Collins told the graduands that they were the best and brightest hope for Guyana.
Headmistress Ms Dulcy Thorne and her teachers are all consummate professionals, hence the continued success of the students and the school. These are leading teachers who hail from different parts of the country; some have their roots in Essequibo like Ms Rivonne.
Ultimately, the parents of Green Acres School must be extolled for their unwavering commitment, support and diligence. This simply goes to show that the entire process of learning is a triangular one, where the students, teachers and parents are all involved. Certificates were distributed to all the graduands, then there was a farewell song followed by the National Anthem.
Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan
