Minister Henry encourages St. Ignatius graduates to never stop learning
…as school celebrates historical achievements at Prize Giving exercise
(September 6, 2019) – At the Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Exercise of the St. Ignatius Secondary School, graduates were advised and encouraged to embrace life-long learning.
This was the wisdom imparted on the graduates by the Minister of Education, Dr. The Hon. Nicolette Henry as she delivered the feature address yesterday at the school.
Minister Henry explained that often time persons learn to grow their store of knowledge in very routine ways.
“We read a text, we pass an exam, we receive certification, we get a job and that’s it. That however is not what true learning is about. True learning is about continuously engaging in the act of self-education,” Dr. Henry remarked.
Further, Minister Henry asked the graduates to recognise the true value of knowledge. She said that while it is good to possess knowledge, it works best when it is invested.
She said, “When you invest your knowledge in people, in society, it grows and it’s returns are often incalculable.”
The Education Minister said that the youths should invest their time and energy in expanding their knowledge base and intellectual capital.
Moreover, she advised the graduates that they should dedicate their lives to making a positive impact in the development of their country and to always remember to give back to society.
Also delivering remarks was the Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine, Mr. Carl Parker who congratulated the parents that worked tirelessly for the success of their children.
He advised the graduates that as they move on to their next stage in life whether to work or continue studying, they should not compromise their values, beliefs and traditions.
“Stand up, even if it is that you are alone. As you enter your new world, whether work or study, do not be afraid to stand up. If alone, that is when you will find an inner strength you never knew you had”, he remarked.
The REO added that Guyana is poised for unprecedented development as a result of joining ranks with oil producing nations. He told the graduates that now is the time for them to grasp at opportunities that will become available.
Meanwhile, Head Teacher of the school, Ms. Yvette Archer-Singh said that the graduation exercise is a celebration of a generation of students that have completed their secondary education.
She reminded the graduates that they have done what many persons of the former generation did not do. She said that the school regards education as the continuous growth of the whole individual towards intellectual participation in the life around him or her and adapting to changes.
At the 2019 CSEC examination, St. Ignatius Secondary School achieved 72.4 per cent overall passes with 85 grade ones, 285 grade twos and 374 grade threes. The school’s top student is 16 year-old Amisha Ramdin who gained 15 grade ones and five grade twos.
Among the prizes received by top performing students at the school were printers that were donated by Riaz Computer.