The Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit Wednesday honoured four Chinese volunteers for their dedication and commitment to promoting physical education here. The volunteers, Mr. Zhang Tao Tao, Mr. Hao Da Lei, Mr. Ding Jian Wei, and Mr. Zhang Xiao Bing, during their one year tenure, served at the Bishops’ High School, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), the Tutorial High School and St. John’s College.
They lauded the Ministry of Education for the opportunity to serve in Guyana, noting that their stint here was both an exciting and rewarding experience with many pleasant memories that will remain with them for a long time.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh, speaking at a farewell ceremony for the volunteers at the Allied Arts Unit in the Queen’s College compound, expressed his gratitude for their services in advancing the physical education agenda.
Physical education and sport play a vital role in building students’ self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-discipline, and improving their social and emotional development and academic performance.
Currently, the subject is being offered at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in 17 schools, and Baksh said greater attention is being placed on expanding the programme to more schools, with a heightened emphasis on sport.
On that point, he requested that the Chinese officials here replace the departing four as early as possible so that the Allied Arts Unit can continue and expand on the momentum they have built.
He pointed out that physical education is part of his ministry’s 2008-2013 Education Strategic  Plan and wants to see a presence of the discipline in all the education districts throughout the country.
Baksh noted that in keeping with this objective, open areas have been identified for recreational activities. These include the Ministry of Education Sports Complex on Carifesta Avenue and another ground South of North Ruimveldt Secondary. The CPCE ground, he disclosed, will be upgraded as well to better facilitate the trainee teachers in going through their paces.
Head of the Allied Arts Unit, Mrs. Desiree Wyles-Ogle, said physical education over the years has become more visible in the school system and she praised the volunteers who served in that discipline and also participated in other cultural activities.
Chinese diplomat with responsibility for commerce, Mr. Huang Shaowen, also spoke at the event. (GINA)