The Region Three Department of Education presented awards to several students in recognition of their achievements at different levels of the national assessment, the SCCP and CXC exams in 2012 and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of their teachers.
Regional Education Officer, Marlyn Jones-O’Donoghue, applauded the awardees for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields. She acknowledged the challenges faced by the education sector in ensuring that every student receives quality education but noted that the region will continue aiming for the skies, a press release from Region Three said.
In presenting awards to the recipients, Jones-O’Donoghue said that the list was compiled based on the student’s performances and they were drawn from across the Essequibo Islands/West Demerara area. She noted that while there were several competitions organized by the Department to commemorate various activities only the top achievers were recognised.
Meikel Mahabir, the region’s best performer in the CSEC exams topped the list of awardees. Mahabir, of the West Demerara Secondary School, secured 13 Grade Ones. He was also among the top five performers in the country.
Surendra Gocool, of the Kawall Primary School was judged the best National Grade Six Assessment (NSGA) performer in the region after he gained 541 marks. Gocool also secured a place among the top 10 performers countrywide. He currently attends Queen’s College.
There were several other awardees which ranged from the best athlete to participants in various academic competitions such as Impromptu Speech and Debating competitions.
The Department also sought to honour retiring teachers for their outstanding and selfless contribution towards the development of education in the region. Jones-O’Donoghue expressed her gratitude to the outgoing teachers for their service.
“Retirees you have done well…I wish you well because many persons have started the race but was not able to complete it and we know teaching is not an easy job,” she said.
Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber, said that the celebration of the best in the region coupled with those who have given selflessly and contributed to the success of the region is indeed a historic moment.
“You need to aim for the skies and then if you fall you will hold onto the stars,” he said, and encouraged the students to do their best. Faerber told the students that they need to climb the ladder to achieve greater things. He also said that the government makes education a priority and that this is evident in the National Budget.
According to the chairman, education in the region has advanced significantly since top students at NGSA came not only from Leonora Primary, as they used to, but all other primary schools are also performing. He credited the improvement of the quality of education to the teachers who make an effort to broaden their knowledge and better serve the nation.
“Retirees you have given your whole life to the system. You have moulded the nation’s children and you have uplifted the standard of education in Region Three. Do not end your career here. There [is] more you can do,” Faerber said in his address to the retired teachers.
The ceremony is an annual feature of the region’s calendar of events.
