Hundreds of Region 5 students rally to convey education message
─ “Children who attend school regularly get better grades” – Chief School’s Welfare Officer.
DPI Guyana, Monday, January 21, 2019
On Thursday last, more than 300 students from Primary and Secondary schools across Region Five, Mahaica-Berbice, attended the ‘Collect, Advise, Respond and Educate’ (CARE) operation rally, hosted by the School’s Welfare Department of the region’s Department of Education. The initiative was aimed at teaching students, parents and community members, about the power of education and its importance.
The rally commenced at the Treasurer’s Primary School in Belladrum Village at 9 a.m. and participants traversed the Public Road, informing residents and commuters about the importance of education. The activity climaxed at the Belladrum Secondary School where discussions were held.
Senior School’s Welfare Officer for Region Five, Gloria Davidson-James, in an invited comment explained to the Department of Public Information (DPI), that the Education Department hosted the activity after it was observed that there was a significant decrease in students’ attendance.
“It’s not Belladrum specifically, but most of the schools around this area. We have Primary and Secondary schools present in such a situation. So, we thought it best to host a sensitisation exercise to remind the children of the importance of education…. from this we are hoping to have our full complement of students back in the classrooms,” Davidson- James disclosed.
Chief School’s Welfare Office Jillian Bailey-Vyphius, while addressing the massive crowd, reinforced the government’s commitment to providing every child with a quality education. She noted that every parent must join the campaign towards a brighter future.
Bailey-Vyphius told the students that the more knowledge they attain, the more they benefit. She also highlighted the importance of regular and punctual attendance. “Children who attend school regularly get better grades,” she said and noted that with these practices, one can be productive and better prepared for the working environment.
In his feature address, Assistant Superintendent (ASP) of Police Elton Davidson, urged the students to be disciplined and make positive choices. The senior officer underlined the roles and responsibilities of parents and encouraged those present to provide their children with the necessary materials needed for their development.
Davidson added that parents should maintain good relationships with teachers and visit the classrooms frequently to receive updates on the performance of their children.
Story and Images by Kellon Rover.