THOUSANDS of students from schools within the city’s domain -– some neatly dressed, others semi-rugged -– attended the annual Education Month Rally held at the National Park in Georgetown after an early-morning march.In the blistering morning sun they sat, attentive but anxiously awaiting the arrival of the most celebrated and charismatic leader in the land – President David Granger, who would remind them that “education is the gateway to a good life”.

He arrived on schedule, just after 10, greeted by an uproar of the mammoth crowd, which rose to its feet in respect. His navy blue shirt was symbolic of education, and was complemented by a pair of black pants which sat perfectly on his polished black shoes.

His engaging smile, pleasantly plastered on his face, visually eroded the years of service which had imprinted their telltale wrinkles on his face. He waved slowly, as they clapped proudly and passionately, their eyes glued to his every step.
Accompanied by Minister of Education and other officials, brisk steps led him to his seat on the stage.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam was the first to take the podium to formally welcome the attendees. This was followed by recital of the National Pledge, which was expectedly honoured. Then the Guyana Police Force Band began entertaining the crowd with musical renditions, while battling with the noisy atmosphere that absorbed the sounds emanating from their instruments.

A beautifully choreographed physical display was done by students of the North Georgetown Secondary school. The soothing colour of white dominated their costumes, with colourful accessories complementing same. It was evident from their skilful and timely articulation that they had invested hours into the practice.

A spirit of nationalism then engrossed the atmosphere, as thousands of patriots stood to their feet to sing the Hymn for Guyana’s Children – a popular national song taught in schools countrywide.

Shifting gears, the combined steel bands then picked up the tempo with their remixes of regional and national songs. This upbeat tempo was maintained as Carmel Secondary School teacher Keon Heywood rocked the crowd with his performance of ‘If you’re out there’ by John Legend.

Then the moment arrived, that moment when the currently most renowned name in the country was called to the podium to deliver the feature address.
Expressing how happy he was to see the faces of the future of Guyana, President David Granger urged the thousands of students attentively listening to be prepared to take possession of this land, which belongs to them.

“In 2013, I said that is the year of youths, but every year is the year for youths…I want you to have the opportunity to tour this country and see the flora and fauna, but you have to be prepared to take possession of your land,” President Granger told them.

Noting that the education system needs building because of the high dropout rate, the Head of State related that this tool of education is the gateway to a good life. “It [education] is the mother of good jobs, it is the mother of empowerment, it is the mother of enterprise, and it is the mother of entrepreneurship,” the President said.

He further highlighted that education is not only for the rich to benefit from, but every child in Guyana, since there currently exists a system which offers every child the opportunity to attend school. But due to socio-economic constraints, he posited, children are forced to leave school early, which is an issue the government remains committed to tackling.

The situation of having children in the New Opportunity Corps (NOC), Camp Street Prison and Mazaruni Prison is one which the President said needs to be turned around through comprehensive planning and policy implementation.

In this regard, he noted that the youths whom he pardoned from prison on the 26 May are not the last set to be pardoned, since he remains committed to providing an opportunity to every Guyanese youth to make something positive of their life.

In addition, he revealed that a two-pronged approach is needed to guide a successful education system which is not limited to the classroom.

The President offered that the most important rule that must be followed by students and citizens is learning to recognise and have respect for each other, regardless of ethnicity or race.

“We’re a multiethnic society and we need to respect each other and ourselves, and that is where education starts. It doesn’t start in nursery school…It starts at home, church, with parents, in communities,” the President said to the gathering. He added that the colour of our skin or what is on our head does not matter, but rather it is what is in our head.

The second rule which he recommended that all should follow is that every single Guyanese child must find a place in the school system. He noted that parents could be punished and fined for not sending children to school, and urged children to make use of this opportunity which provides them with a chance to overcome the ills of society.

He further charged them to report any case of absenteeism which they might know of within their communities.

His vision was for a robust education system through the participation of civil society, and it was detailed at yesterday’s rally.

His remarks were followed by two Soca performances by local singers Tennicia Defreitas and Vanilla.

By Ravin Singh