THE Department of Education, in collaboration with the Regional Administration in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), staged its annual Science and Mathematics Fair last Friday, at Cotton Field Secondary School.
The theme for the event was ‘Science, Mathematics and Technology for global energy management and hundreds of students, teachers and parents wee in attendance.
Speaking at the opening, National Science Coordinator, Ms. Petal Jetoo said: “The answer to moving this country to where developed countries are, in the field of science and technology, lies in our own hands. Therefore, the fair is very important to every student.”
She said Science is looking for something in the environment and asking the right questions and she encouraged students to develop positive attitudes and be tolerant while studying the subject.
Regional Education Officer, Ms. Sandra Smith, addressing the same forum,  said the fair has put the Department of Education and schools on show, so the public can get a chance to evaluate the progress in schools in the field of science and technology.
According to her, the fair is held every two years and exposes students to broad-based technologies and she encouraged them to be progressive in their thinking.
She called on teachers to help build the base for students to excel in science and technology.
Twenty-four schools, including primary, lower and upper secondary schools and one private school, Al Madina, participated in the exposition, at which a representative of each participant had to make oral presentations before a panel of judges.
The same Friday, Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), hosted an open career day/job fair in its compound, as of a programme to mark its ninth anniversary.
Deputy Principal, Mr. Muneshwar Jaggernauth told the Guyana Chronicle that the objective was to strengthen partnerships with the private and public sectors and other stakeholders and give students an opportunity to choose a career path.
He said 22 agencies took part, more than the 10 last year, among them  Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Kayman Sankar Rice Complex, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Digicel, Big Bird and Sons Fish Complex, Republic Bank, Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Life Insurance, President’s Youth Award-Republic of Guyana (PYARG), Guyana Power & Light (GPL), Al Tens Restaurant, Pomeroon Oil Mills, Banks DIH Limited.
Those who attended were given flyers and brochures about each agency with vital information about their operations, so students could make career choices.
Region Two Vice-Chairman, Mr. Vishnu Samaroo said the showing was very impressive and he was happy that students got vital information to guide their choices.
He congratulated ETI Principal, Mr. Dennis Jaikarran and his staff on the organisation of the display and thanked the agencies which showcased their products.