THE University of Guyana’s annual Career/Open Day, which was hosted last Friday, saw many private and public sector entities, as well as schools, participating in the ‘whole day event’ with unforgettable memories.
The occasion was staged under the theme ‘Honouring the Past, Moulding the Present, Transforming the Future’ and left a distinct mark on every student from different schools in Georgetown who attended.
It was described as ‘unforgettable’ by many, because of the heartening and unique displays that unfolded and provided an opportunity to interact with the University’s current undergraduates and staff, to grasp vital and necessary information on facets of life at the
institution, whilst exploring one’s career path and learning about an area of interest.
At the opening ceremony, representatives from organisations were presented with certificates as a token of appreciation for their participation, by UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi.
There were also remarks by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Phillip Da Silva, who urged the prospective students to choose wisely as it relates to their career.
Similar advice was given by the Public Relations Officer, Ms. Paulette Paul.
UG’s 2013 Valedictorian Eileen Selina Marray, who was the guest speaker, offered great insights for the future generation.
She made reference to the renowned philosopher, Aristotle and the late Nelson Mandela when emphasising the importance of education.
Ms. Linda Johnson-Bhola, Chairperson of the Open Day function, who is the Coordinator of the School of Earth & Environment Sciences at UG, noted that the academy will be looking forward to the organisations’ support next year, pointing out that this event is “a reflection of who we are, what we do and where we are going.”
Also on the programme for the occasion were two performances of classical Indian dance by a Cummings Lodge Secondary School student and Jeremy Sobers, a current University student, who performed a piano solo that awakened the crowd.
MAKE DECISIONS
Schools from Linden, as well as Berbice, were also represented and, according to a Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School student: “It was exciting and gave a lot of knowledge and help to be able to make decisions about our careers.”
As it relates to ‘unforgettable memories’, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) surprised those in attendance by giving students the privilege to fly over the campus and see the beauty that surrounds the University itself.
Although the Army had a normal booth, it added the helicopter to the scene, making it the initial aviation unit to land an aircraft on the campus and the initiative also served as an informative approach to those who aim to be in the Military.
Aside from educational displays, companies like Brusters attracted hundreds and Giftland Officemax offered students VIP shopping cards, with 15 percent discount on stationery, hoping to promote a greater bond with the University.
The Biology Department attracted the majority on the campus showing off an impressive portrayal of ‘forest life’ and other different aspects.
The Medical Technology Department, in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service, condcucted a ‘Blood Drive’ which drew quite a turnout.
The National Communications Network (NCN) and Hits & Jams Entertainment were broadcasting live from the location drawing more crowds.
The day concluded with a ‘Talent Splash’ in which current and former students of UG participated, including Esther Osborne and Gavin Mendonca from ‘Keep your Day Job’.
The organisations which took part were Accountancy Training Centre, Air Services Limited, ANSA McAL, Banks DIH Ltd, Bruster’s Real Ice-cream, Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC), Giftland Officemax, Global Networks Group, Government Technical
Institute (GTI), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Guyana Defence Force (GDF),Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Oil Company Ltd (GUYOIL), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo), Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T), Guyana & Trinidad Mutual Group of Insurance Companies (GTM), Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Harris Paints, Hits & Jams Radio, Institute
of Internal Auditors, MACORP, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Communications Network (NCN), Pick it Up Guyana, Qualfon Guyana Inc, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, and Scholarship for Advanced Guyanese Education (SAGE).
Written By Shivanie Sugrim
