PERSONS who yesterday attended the National Cultural Centre to witness the calypso and dramatic poetry categories of the Regional Children’s Mashramani Competition were able to witness the dramatic side of our young Guyanese, as the venue came alive once more to host this mega event.

The well choreographed pieces featured topics such as the history of Mashramani, unity among our people, traffic accidents, and the issue of solid waste. The participants captivated the audience with their performances, especially in dramatic poetry.

More than 80 entries were submitted by the 10 administrative regions across Guyana, and Georgetown participated as a separate entry as students, teachers and parents were treated to spectacular performances.

The Children’s Mashramani Competition is one event that is becoming more competitive in terms of performance, with 2015 seeing more of the regions participating.

The Allied Arts Unit declared that participating in the performing arts helps to foster discipline in the pupils, and the Ministry of Education has sought to provide the platform for students to so do since it launched the event in 1992.

Travis Chase, MC for yesterday’s competition, said: “It takes great courage to get up on a stage and do what you have to do without making any mistakes.” It can be noted, too, that participating in these events helps the students to develop their self-confidence.

Competitions such as these also educate students on different aspects of Guyana’s rich history and culture through the presentations, and also give them and the audience an opportunity to feel a great sense of national pride.

This annual event creates a platform for students at the nursery, primary and secondary levels to display their talents in dramatic dance, masquerade, physical display, costume competition, dramatic poetry, and calypso; while teachers are also afforded a chance to showcase their creativity.

The Children’s Costume Parade begins at the Parade Ground at 10:00hrs today.

Photos by Delano Williams.