ICT Developments in Region Three’s education sector highlighted as Minister Joseph Harmon congratulates top NGSA students

(July 28th, 2018)

Today, Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon highlighted some of the significant developments in Information Communication Technology (ICT) that have taken place in Region Three (Essequibo-Islands – West Demerara).

This was done while the Minister along with parents, teachers and education officers congratulated the top students of Region Three (at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in the boardroom of the Department of Education.

Speaking specifically on developments in region three within the education sector, Minister Harmon noted that the Zeeburg Secondary School and the Saraswati Vidya Niketan Hindu School on the West Coast of Demerara were the recipients of a one million dollars presidential grant each under the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST) Project which is aimed at boosting the science and technology laboratories in schools across the country.

The Minister also said that so far 12 secondary schools and 27 primary schools within the region have been provided with internet service while 22 ICT Hubs have been installed in communities in region three that will enable students without internet access at home to complete research, assignments and other school-based activities.

“These interventions into our education sector and our community connectivity programme are testimony to the government’s push to ensure that the skills we need in our development programmes are nurtured, developed and embedded in all levels of the education system and in all of our communities, urban and rural; on the coastland and in the hinterland.”

Further, Minister Harmon said that the NGSA is a critical point in the promotion of learning at the primary level and facilitates the identification of the “cream of our human resource potential as a nation”.

He explained that the examination is the basis for the placement of students in the secondary school system so that, “those with the acumen and ability can benefit from the best environment and facilities to go on in their academic endeavours and educational development.”

He said that though the system is not perfect, it seeks to provide those with the potential and talent, with the best opportunities and resources for continued success as they move from the primary to the secondary level of education.

“This assessment, however, all be it very important…is but one aspect of our government’s wider perception of the role of education and its importance to national development” said the Minister of State.

Delving deeper into the “wider perception”, Minister Harmon said that it is the conviction of the government that the objective of creating a green state and green economy through the sustainable development of Guyana’s vast resources for the benefit of all of our citizens; of providing a ‘good life’ for all citizens, can be achieved by people with a first class education.

He added, “This conviction can also be discerned by the resources that our government has allocated to education over the past three years and the efforts that have been made to improve our educational system through the use of technology such as smart classrooms that I am advised is available to some of the schools in region three through NCERD, as well as technical programmes as the ‘success maker’ which allows students to do classwork on computers.”

In closing, the Minister of State urged the students to strive to maintain their status as top performers within their academic endeavours and other pursuits.

Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer, Ms. Anesta Douglas explained that this year,  1,872 grade six pupils sat the NGSA in the region. Senior Education Officer, Ms. Carol-Ann Benn described the occasion as a proud moment and congratulated the students and their parents for the success that was achieved.

Ms. Benn reminded the students that they have made themselves, their parents and their communities extremely proud. She said that students are the future leaders and therefore, the country needs to invest in them.

She noted that what must be appreciated by everyone is that education is available to all Guyanese regardless of ethnicity and economic background. Ms. Benn urged the students to make full use of the boundless opportunities that are available.

Further, she reminded the students that their success is not only measured by their education in the classroom but that they need to become rounded citizens.

“You need to get involved in youth clubs. You need to get involved in other extra-curricular activities; play games, a game of football, a game of cricket. Join the karate club or dance class. Ensure that you get involved and make yourself rounded.”

The students that were honoured today were: The students that were honoured today were: Darren Ramphal (Leonora Primary 522 marks), Saif Azeze (Academy of Excellence 522 marks), Virendra Dookie (Leonora Primary 521 marks), Deevina Chan (Vreed-en-Hoop Primary 520 marks), Ziya Haniff (Vreed-en-Hoop Primary 519 marks), Haresh Persaud (Academy of Excellence 519 marks), Bhairav Hardat (Leonora Primary 518 marks), Narendra Marai (Academy of Excellence 518 marks), Afiyah Harry (Academy of Excellence 518 marks) and Zackiea Ali (Meten-meer-Zorg Islamic 518 marks). All 10 students were placed at Queen’s College.